IPC 242→BNS 180

IPC 242 to BNS 180: Possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof

Section 242 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 180 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 242 →View BNS Section 180 →

IPC 242 to BNS 180 at a Glance

Section 242 IPC (Possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof) is now Section 180 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 242 to BNS 180?

Section 242 IPC is merged into Section 180 BNS, which consolidates possession of forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes into a single section. Section 180 BNS requires that the person possess the item knowing or having reason to believe it to be counterfeit and intending to use it as genuine or that it may be used as genuine. It drops the requirement that knowledge existed at the moment of initial acquisition, and the intent to use the item as genuine takes the place of possession held fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed. Section 180 BNS adds an Explanation exempting possession established to be from a lawful source. The punishment shifts from imprisonment for up to three years and fine under Section 242 IPC to imprisonment for up to seven years, or with fine, or with both under Section 180 BNS.

IPC 242 vs BNS 180: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section242180
OffencePossession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereofSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.Imprisonment of either description for up to three years under Section 242 IPC. Section 180 BNS provides imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
FineThe offender shall also be liable to fine.Liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under Section 242 IPC. Under Section 180 BNS, the court may punish with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 242 and BNS 180: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 242, IPC 1860

242. Possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof.—Whoever, fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, is in possession of counterfeit coin, having known at the time when he became possessed thereof that such coin was 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 180, BNS 2023

Whoever has in his possession any forged or counterfeit coin, stamp, currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit and intending to use the same as genuine or that it may be used as genuine, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both. Explanation.—If a person establishes the possession of the forged or counterfeit coin, stamp, currency-note or bank-note to be from a lawful source, it shall not constitute an offence under this section.

Ingredients: IPC 242 vs BNS 180

Under IPC 242
  1. Being in possession of counterfeit coin
  2. Knowing at the time when he became possessed of it that the coin was counterfeit
  3. Holding such possession fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed
Under BNS 180
  1. Possession of any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
  2. Knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit
  3. Intending to use the same as genuine or that it may be used as genuine
  4. Punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, or with fine, or with both
  5. Statutory Explanation exempting possession established to be from a lawful source

What IPC 242 to BNS 180 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 242 IPC (now Section 180 BNS): for an act done after the BNS came into force, possession of counterfeit coin is charged under Section 180 BNS, which dispenses with proving knowledge at the moment of initial acquisition, permits a defence of lawful source under the Explanation, and carries imprisonment for up to seven years, or fine, or both.

FAQs: IPC 242 to BNS 180

What changed when Section 242 IPC became Section 180 BNS?▼

Section 180 BNS unifies possession of counterfeit coin, Government stamps, and currency into one section. It replaces the requirement of knowledge at the time of initial possession with an intent to use the item as genuine. Section 180 BNS adds an Explanation that possession from a lawful source does not constitute an offence. The maximum imprisonment increases from three years to seven years, and the court may now impose fine alone, in place of imprisonment.

Where does Section 242 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 180 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes, and Government Stamps.

Does Section 242 IPC or Section 180 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 242 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 242 IPC. Section 180 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 ·