IPC 233 to BNS 181: Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting coin
Section 233 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 181 BNS (2023)
IPC 233 to BNS 181 at a Glance
Section 233 IPC (Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting coin) is now Section 181 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 233 to BNS 181?
Section 233 IPC is merged into Section 181 BNS, which consolidates making, mending, buying, selling, disposing of, or possessing machinery, dies, instruments, or materials for forging or counterfeiting coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes. Section 181 BNS adds possession, machinery, and materials to the text. The maximum imprisonment increases substantially from three years under Section 233 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, under Section 181 BNS, and fine.
IPC 233 vs BNS 181: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 233 | 181 |
| Offence | Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting coin | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years. | Imprisonment of either description for up to three years under Section 233 IPC. Section 181 BNS provides imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years. |
| Fine | The offender shall also be liable to fine. | Liable to fine under Section 233 IPC, and also liable to fine under Section 181 BNS. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Magistrate of the first class | Same |
IPC 233 and BNS 181: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 233, IPC 1860
Section 181, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 233 vs BNS 181
- Making, mending, or performing any part of the process of making or mending any die or instrument
- Buying, selling, or disposing of any die or instrument
- Doing so for the purpose of being used for counterfeiting coin, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used for the purpose of counterfeiting coin
- Making, mending, performing any part of the process of making or mending, buying, selling, disposing of, or having in possession
- Any machinery, die, instrument, or material
- Purpose of being used, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for forging or counterfeiting any coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
- Punishment of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine
What IPC 233 to BNS 181 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 233 to BNS 181
What changed when Section 233 IPC became Section 181 BNS?▼
Section 181 BNS consolidates tools and materials for counterfeiting coin, Government stamps, and currency into one section. It adds possession, machinery, and materials to the prohibited acts. The maximum punishment rises from three years under Section 233 IPC to imprisonment for life or up to ten years under Section 181 BNS, and fine.
Where does Section 233 IPC sit in the BNS?▼
In Section 181 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes, and Government Stamps.
Does Section 233 IPC or Section 181 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 233 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 233 IPC. Section 181 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 ·