IPC 232 to BNS 178: Counterfeiting Indian coin
Section 232 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 178 BNS (2023)
IPC 232 to BNS 178 at a Glance
Section 232 IPC (Counterfeiting Indian coin) is now Section 178 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.
What Changed From IPC 232 to BNS 178?
Section 232 IPC is consolidated into Section 178 BNS. The BNS removes the separate category of Indian coin, merging counterfeiting of all coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes into a single offence. The punishment remains imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine.
IPC 232 vs BNS 178: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 232 | 178 |
| Offence | Counterfeiting Indian coin | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years. | Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years under Section 178 BNS. |
| Fine | The offender shall also be liable to fine. | The offender is also liable to fine under Section 178 BNS. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Court of Session | Same |
IPC 232 and BNS 178: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 232, IPC 1860
Section 178, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 232 vs BNS 178
- The coin is Indian coin within the definition in Section 230 IPC
- Counterfeiting such Indian coin
- Knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting such Indian coin
- Counterfeiting any coin, Government stamp, currency-note or bank-note
- Knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting
- Punishment of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine
What IPC 232 to BNS 178 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 232 to BNS 178
What changed when Section 232 IPC became Section 178 BNS?▼
Section 178 BNS merges Section 232 IPC into a unified offence covering all coin, Government stamps, and currency. The separate legal distinction for Indian coin is omitted. The penalty of imprisonment for life or up to ten years and fine is preserved without change.
Where does Section 232 IPC sit in the BNS?▼
In Section 178 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes, and Government Stamps.
Does Section 232 IPC or Section 178 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 232 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 232 IPC. Section 178 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.
Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·