IPC 254 to BNS 179: Delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered
Section 254 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 179 BNS (2023)
IPC 254 to BNS 179 at a Glance
Section 254 IPC (Delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered) 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 254 to BNS 179?
Section 254 IPC was a separate, milder offence for delivering as genuine an altered coin where the deliverer did not know of the alteration when first taking possession, punishing the act with imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or with fine up to ten times the value of the coin passed or attempted to be passed. Section 179 BNS absorbs this delivery into a consolidated provision covering importing, exporting, trafficking, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, and using as genuine forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes. Section 179 BNS contains no corresponding milder category. An altered coin falls under Section 179 BNS because clause (5) of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS treats alteration as counterfeiting. Section 179 BNS drops elements and limbs: it 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 punishment increases from up to two years imprisonment, or fine in the alternative, under Section 254 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine under Section 179 BNS.
IPC 254 vs BNS 179: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 254 | 179 |
| Offence | Delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or fine. | Imprisonment of either description for up to two years under Section 254 IPC. Section 179 BNS punishes trafficking and delivery with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years. |
| Fine | Fine which may extend to ten times the value of the coin for which the altered coin is passed or attempted to be passed, as an alternative to imprisonment. | Fine up to ten times the value of the coin under Section 254 IPC, punishable in the alternative. Under Section 179 BNS, imprisonment must be imposed and the offender is also liable to fine. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Any Magistrate | Same |
IPC 254 and BNS 179: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 254, IPC 1860
Section 179, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 254 vs BNS 179
- The coin was one on which an operation mentioned in Section 246, 247, 248, or 249 IPC had been performed
- The accused did not know that such operation had been performed at the time when he took the coin into his possession
- The accused subsequently knew that such operation had been performed with respect to the coin
- The accused delivered the coin to another person as genuine or as a coin of a different description, or attempted to induce another person to receive it as genuine or as a different coin
- Importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking in, or using as genuine
- Any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note, including a coin whose weight, composition or appearance has been altered, which clause (5) of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS treats as counterfeiting
- Knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit
- Punishment of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine
What IPC 254 to BNS 179 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 254 to BNS 179
What changed when Section 254 IPC became Section 179 BNS?▼
Section 254 IPC was a separate, milder offence for delivering an altered coin where the person did not know it was altered when first possessed, punishable with imprisonment for up to two years, or fine up to ten times the coin value. Section 179 BNS does not provide any such lesser offence, absorbing delivery into general trafficking of counterfeit coin, stamps, and currency. Alteration of coin constitutes counterfeiting pursuant to clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS. Section 179 BNS has no attempt to induce limb and omits the requirement of fraud. The punishment rises to imprisonment for life, or up to ten years, and fine.
Where does Section 254 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 254 IPC or Section 179 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 254 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 254 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 ·