IPC 258 to BNS 179: Sale of counterfeit Government stamp
Section 258 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 179 BNS (2023)
IPC 258 to BNS 179 at a Glance
Section 258 IPC (Sale of counterfeit Government stamp) 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 258 to BNS 179?
Section 258 IPC penalized selling, or offering for sale, any stamp which the seller knows or has reason to believe to be a counterfeit of a Government revenue stamp, with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and fine. Section 179 BNS absorbs this offence into a unified provision covering importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking in, or using as genuine any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note. Section 258 IPC punishes whoever sells, or offers for sale, whereas Section 179 BNS does not use the words offers for sale. The maximum punishment rises from seven years imprisonment under Section 258 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine under Section 179 BNS.
IPC 258 vs BNS 179: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 258 | 179 |
| Offence | Sale of counterfeit Government stamp | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years. | Imprisonment of either description for up to seven years under Section 258 IPC. Section 179 BNS increases the punishment to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years. |
| Fine | The offender shall also be liable to fine. | Liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under both Section 258 IPC and Section 179 BNS. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Magistrate of the first class | Same |
IPC 258 and BNS 179: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 258, IPC 1860
Section 179, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 258 vs BNS 179
- The stamp was a counterfeit of a stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue
- The accused sold that stamp, or offered it for sale
- The accused knew or had reason to believe that the stamp was counterfeit
- Importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking in, or using as genuine any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
- 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 258 to BNS 179 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 258 to BNS 179
What changed when Section 258 IPC became Section 179 BNS?▼
Section 258 IPC is absorbed into Section 179 BNS, which consolidates selling, delivering, trafficking, and using counterfeit stamps, coin, and currency. Section 258 IPC expressly penalized whoever sells, or offers for sale, but Section 179 BNS does not use the words offers for sale. The maximum sentence increases from seven years imprisonment under Section 258 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine.
Where does Section 258 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 258 IPC or Section 179 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 258 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 258 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 ·