IPC 252 to BNS 180: Possession of coin by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof
Section 252 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 180 BNS (2023)
IPC 252 to BNS 180 at a Glance
Section 252 IPC (Possession of coin by person who knew it to be altered 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 252 to BNS 180?
Section 252 IPC punished being in fraudulent possession of altered coin, having known of the alteration at the time of acquisition, with imprisonment of either description for up to three years and fine. Section 180 BNS consolidates possession of counterfeit coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes into a single offence. An altered coin falls under Section 180 BNS because clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS makes alteration counterfeiting. Section 180 BNS requires an intention to use the item as genuine or that it may be used as genuine, replacing the fraudulent intent required by Section 252 IPC. Furthermore, Section 180 BNS omits the requirement that knowledge exist at the time possession was acquired, and its Explanation provides that establishing 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.
IPC 252 vs BNS 180: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 252 | 180 |
| Offence | Possession of coin by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof | 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 252 IPC. Under Section 180 BNS, imprisonment of either description may extend to seven years. |
| Fine | The offender shall also be liable to fine. | Liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under Section 252 IPC. Under Section 180 BNS, punishment may be imprisonment, or fine, or both. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Magistrate of the first class | Same |
IPC 252 and BNS 180: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 252, IPC 1860
Section 180, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 252 vs BNS 180
- The accused was in possession of coin with respect to which the offence defined in Section 246 IPC or Section 248 IPC had been committed
- The accused knew at the time of becoming possessed of such coin that such offence had been committed with respect to it
- The possession was fraudulent or with intent that fraud may be committed
- Possession of any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
- Coin altered in weight, composition, or appearance deemed counterfeit under clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS
- Knowing or having reason to believe the item to be forged or counterfeit
- Intending to use the same as genuine or that it may be used as genuine
- No offence where the person establishes that the possession was from a lawful source, under the Explanation to Section 180 BNS
- Punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, or with fine, or with both
What IPC 252 to BNS 180 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 252 to BNS 180
What changed when Section 252 IPC became Section 180 BNS?▼
Section 252 IPC is absorbed into Section 180 BNS, which covers possession of counterfeit coin, Government stamps, and currency. Under clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS, an altered coin is treated as counterfeit. Section 180 BNS requires an intention to use the item as genuine rather than fraudulent intent, drops the requirement of proving knowledge at the moment of acquisition, and adds an Explanation protecting possession from a lawful source. The maximum imprisonment increases from three years to seven years, and fine alone is now a permitted sentence.
Where does Section 252 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 252 IPC or Section 180 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 252 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 252 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 ·