IPC 239→BNS 179

IPC 239 to BNS 179: Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit

Section 239 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 179 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 239 →View BNS Section 179 →

IPC 239 to BNS 179 at a Glance

Section 239 IPC (Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit) 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 239 to BNS 179?

Section 239 IPC is consolidated into Section 179 BNS, which covers delivering, selling, buying, receiving, trafficking, importing, exporting, and using as genuine any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note. Section 179 BNS frames the mental test as knowing or having reason to believe the item to be counterfeit, omitting the specific requirement of knowledge at the time of initial possession. Section 179 BNS has no separate limb for attempting to induce a person to receive the coin, and it does not require that the act be done fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed. The maximum punishment rises from five years under Section 239 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, under Section 179 BNS, and fine.

IPC 239 vs BNS 179: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section239179
OffenceDelivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeitSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years.Imprisonment of either description for up to five years under Section 239 IPC. Section 179 BNS provides imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years.
FineThe offender shall also be liable to fine.Liable to fine under Section 239 IPC, and also liable to fine under Section 179 BNS.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 239 and BNS 179: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 239, IPC 1860

239. Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit.—Whoever, having any counterfeit coin, which at the time when he became possessed of it, he knew to be counterfeit, fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, delivers the same to any person, or attempts to induce any person to receive it, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five 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 239 vs BNS 179

Under IPC 239
  1. Having possession of any counterfeit coin
  2. Knowing that the coin was counterfeit at the time when he became possessed of it
  3. Acting fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed
  4. Delivering the coin to any person, or attempting to induce any person to receive it
Under BNS 179
  1. Importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking, or using as genuine
  2. Any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
  3. Knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit
  4. Punishment of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine

What IPC 239 to BNS 179 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 239 IPC (now Section 179 BNS): for an act done after the BNS came into force, delivering counterfeit coin is charged under Section 179 BNS, where the prosecution is not required to prove knowledge at the exact moment possession was acquired, and the penalty increases to imprisonment for life or up to ten years with fine.

FAQs: IPC 239 to BNS 179

What changed when Section 239 IPC became Section 179 BNS?▼

Section 179 BNS merges Section 239 IPC into a single provision for coin, stamps, and currency. It drops the requirement that the person knew the coin was counterfeit at the time of initial acquisition, applying instead where he knows or has reason to believe it is counterfeit. The maximum penalty increases from five years under Section 239 IPC to imprisonment for life or up to ten years under Section 179 BNS, and fine.

Where does Section 239 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 239 IPC or Section 179 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 239 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 239 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 ·