IPC 238 to BNS 179: Import or export of counterfeits of the Indian coin
Section 238 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 179 BNS (2023)
IPC 238 to BNS 179 at a Glance
Section 238 IPC (Import or export of counterfeits of the Indian coin) is now Section 179 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 238 to BNS 179?
Section 238 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 BNS removes the separate classification of Indian coin, applying a single rule to all counterfeit coin. The punishment remains imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine.
IPC 238 vs BNS 179: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 238 | 179 |
| Offence | Import or export of counterfeits of the 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 up to ten years under Section 238 IPC. Section 179 BNS prescribes 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 238 IPC, and also liable to fine under Section 179 BNS. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Court of Session | Same |
IPC 238 and BNS 179: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 238, IPC 1860
Section 179, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 238 vs BNS 179
- Importing into India, or exporting from India, any counterfeit coin
- The coin is a counterfeit of Indian coin as defined in Section 230 IPC
- Knowing or having reason to believe that the coin is a counterfeit of Indian coin
- 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 238 to BNS 179 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 238 to BNS 179
What changed when Section 238 IPC became Section 179 BNS?▼
Section 179 BNS unifies Section 238 IPC into a comprehensive provision that covers trafficking and using counterfeit coin, Government stamps, and currency. The separate category of Indian coin is omitted. The penalty of imprisonment for life or up to ten years and fine is retained.
Where does Section 238 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 238 IPC or Section 179 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 238 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 238 IPC. Section 179 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 ·