IPC 489B→BNS 179

IPC 489B to BNS 179: Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes

Section 489B IPC (1860) replaced by Section 179 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 489B →View BNS Section 179 →

IPC 489B to BNS 179 at a Glance

Section 489B IPC (Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes) 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 489B to BNS 179?

Section 489B IPC corresponds to Section 179 BNS. Section 179 BNS expands the offence to cover importing, exporting, and delivering, and includes coin and Government stamps alongside currency-notes and bank-notes. The punishment remains unchanged at imprisonment for life or up to ten years and liability to fine.

IPC 489B vs BNS 179: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section489B179
OffenceUsing as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notesSame
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 489B and BNS 179: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 489B, IPC 1860

489B. Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes.—Whoever sells to, or buys or receives from, any other person, or otherwise traffics in or uses as genuine, any forged or counterfeit currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 179, BNS 2023

Whoever imports or exports, or sells or delivers to, or buys or receives from, any other person, or otherwise traffics or uses as genuine, any forged or counterfeit coin, stamp, currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 489B vs BNS 179

Under IPC 489B
  1. The currency-note or bank-note was forged or counterfeit
  2. The accused sold it to, bought or received it from another person, or otherwise trafficked in it or used it as genuine
  3. The accused knew or had reason to believe that the note was forged or counterfeit
Under BNS 179
  1. Importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking in, or using as genuine any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
  2. Knowing or having reason to believe that the coin, stamp, currency-note, or bank-note is forged or counterfeit

What IPC 489B to BNS 179 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 489B IPC (now Section 179 BNS): under Section 179 BNS, the scope of the offence is broadened to cover importing, exporting, and delivering, as well as forged or counterfeit coin and Government stamps, while the punishment for dealing in counterfeit currency-notes remains unchanged at imprisonment for life or up to ten years and liability to fine, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 179 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 489B to BNS 179

What changed regarding Section 489B IPC under the BNS?▼

Section 179 BNS broadens Section 489B IPC to include importing, exporting, delivering, and dealing in forged coin and Government stamps. The punishment for dealing in counterfeit currency-notes is unchanged at imprisonment for life or up to ten years and liability to fine.

Where does Section 489B IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 179 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes and Government Stamps.

Does Section 489B IPC or Section 179 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 489B 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 489B 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 ·