IPC 237 Is Now BNS 179: Import or Export of Counterfeit Coin

What Changed From IPC 237 to BNS 179?

Section 237 IPC is merged into Section 179 BNS, which consolidates importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking, and using as genuine any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note. The maximum punishment rises significantly from three years under Section 237 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, under Section 179 BNS, and fine.

IPC 237 vs BNS 179: Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	237	179
Offence	Import or export of counterfeit 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 237 IPC. Section 179 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 237 IPC, and also liable to fine under Section 179 BNS.
Bail	Non-Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Magistrate of the first class	Same

IPC 237 and BNS 179: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 237, IPC 1860

237. Import or export of counterfeit coin.—Whoever imports into India, or exports therefrom, any counterfeit coin, knowing or having reason to believe that the same is counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 179, BNS 2023

Whoever imports or exports, or sells or delivers to, or buys or receives from, any other person, or otherwise traffics or uses as genuine, any forged or counterfeit coin, stamp, currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 237 vs BNS 179

Under IPC 237

Importing into India, or exporting from India, any counterfeit coin
The coin is counterfeit
Knowing or having reason to believe that the coin is counterfeit

Under BNS 179

Importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking, or using as genuine
Any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
Knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit
Punishment of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine

What IPC 237 to BNS 179 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 237 IPC (now Section 179 BNS): for an act done after the BNS came into force, importing or exporting counterfeit coin is charged under Section 179 BNS, which unifies coin trafficking with stamps and currency and imposes a higher maximum penalty of imprisonment for life or up to ten years with fine.

FAQs: IPC 237 to BNS 179

What changed when Section 237 IPC became Section 179 BNS?▼

Section 179 BNS consolidates import and export of counterfeit coin with buying, selling, delivering, and using counterfeit coin, Government stamps, and currency into one offence. The maximum term of imprisonment increases from three years under Section 237 IPC to imprisonment for life or up to ten years under Section 179 BNS, and fine.

Where does Section 237 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 179 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes, and Government Stamps.

Does Section 237 IPC or Section 179 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 237 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 237 IPC. Section 179 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 237 to BNS 179: Import or export of counterfeit coin

IPC 237 to BNS 179 at a Glance