IPC 253 to BNS 180: Possession of Indian coin by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof
Section 253 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 180 BNS (2023)
IPC 253 to BNS 180 at a Glance
Section 253 IPC (Possession of Indian 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 253 to BNS 180?
Section 253 IPC provided enhanced punishment of imprisonment for up to five years and fine for possessing altered Indian coin known to be altered at acquisition. Section 180 BNS eliminates the separate category of Indian coin, merging all coin possession into a single offence that also covers Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes. An altered coin falls under Section 180 BNS because clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS makes alteration counterfeiting. Section 180 BNS substitutes an intention to use the item as genuine for the fraudulent intent required under the IPC, omits the requirement that knowledge exist at the time of acquisition, and introduces an Explanation protecting possession from a lawful source. The maximum imprisonment increases from five years to seven years, and the court may now impose fine alone, in place of imprisonment.
IPC 253 vs BNS 180: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 253 | 180 |
| Offence | Possession of Indian 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 five years. | Imprisonment of either description for up to five years under Section 253 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 253 IPC. Under Section 180 BNS, fine is an alternative or additional punishment. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Magistrate of the first class | Same |
IPC 253 and BNS 180: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 253, IPC 1860
Section 180, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 253 vs BNS 180
- The accused was in possession of coin with respect to which the offence defined in Section 247 IPC or Section 249 IPC had been committed
- The coin was Indian coin
- 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 without distinction for Indian coin
- Coin altered in weight, composition, or appearance treated as counterfeit coin 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 item 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 253 to BNS 180 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 253 to BNS 180
What changed when Section 253 IPC became Section 180 BNS?▼
Section 253 IPC is consolidated into Section 180 BNS. The separate higher penalty category for Indian coin is deleted, and all counterfeit coin, stamps, and currency fall under the same provision. Under clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS, altered coin is deemed counterfeit. Section 180 BNS replaces fraudulent intent with an intention to use the item as genuine, drops the requirement of proving acquisition-time knowledge, and adds an Explanation for lawful possession. The maximum sentence rises from five years to seven years, and the court may now impose fine alone, in place of imprisonment.
Where does Section 253 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 253 IPC or Section 180 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 253 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 253 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 ·