IPC 243→BNS 180

IPC 243 to BNS 180: Possession of Indian coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof

Section 243 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 180 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 243 →View BNS Section 180 →

IPC 243 to BNS 180 at a Glance

Section 243 IPC (Possession of Indian 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 243 to BNS 180?

Section 243 IPC is consolidated into Section 180 BNS, which removes the separate category of Indian coin, merging possession of fake coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes into a single offence. Section 180 BNS replaces the requirement of knowledge at the time of initial possession with an intent to use the item as genuine, which also takes the place of possession held fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed. Section 180 BNS adds an Explanation that possession from a lawful source does not constitute an offence. The maximum imprisonment remains seven years, but Section 180 BNS allows fine alone, in place of imprisonment, where Section 243 IPC required imprisonment.

IPC 243 vs BNS 180: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section243180
OffencePossession of Indian 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 seven years.Imprisonment of either description for up to seven years under Section 243 IPC. Section 180 BNS also provides imprisonment of either description for up to seven years.
FineThe offender shall also be liable to fine.Liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under Section 243 IPC. Section 180 BNS provides for imprisonment, or with fine, or with both, making fine alone available.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 243 and BNS 180: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 243, IPC 1860

243. Possession of Indian 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, which is a counterfeit of Indian coin, having known at the time when he became possessed of it that it was counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven 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 243 vs BNS 180

Under IPC 243
  1. Being in possession of counterfeit coin
  2. The coin is a counterfeit of Indian coin as defined in Section 230 IPC
  3. Knowing at the time when he became possessed of it that it was counterfeit
  4. 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 243 to BNS 180 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 243 IPC (now Section 180 BNS): for an act done after the BNS came into force, possession of counterfeit Indian coin is charged under Section 180 BNS, which eliminates the separate Indian coin category, permits a defence of lawful source, and allows fine alone as an alternative to imprisonment.

FAQs: IPC 243 to BNS 180

What changed when Section 243 IPC became Section 180 BNS?▼

Section 180 BNS unifies Section 243 IPC with other possession offences covering coin, Government stamps, and currency. The separate category of Indian coin is removed, and proof of knowledge at the moment possession was acquired is replaced by an intent to use the item as genuine. Section 180 BNS adds a statutory lawful-source Explanation, retains the seven-year maximum imprisonment term, and permits fine as an alternative penalty.

Where does Section 243 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 243 IPC or Section 180 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 243 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 243 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 ·