IPC 489D→BNS 181

IPC 489D to BNS 181: Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency notes or bank-notes

Section 489D IPC (1860) replaced by Section 181 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 489D →View BNS Section 181 →

IPC 489D to BNS 181 at a Glance

Section 489D IPC (Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency notes or bank-notes) is now Section 181 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 489D to BNS 181?

Section 489D IPC corresponds to Section 181 BNS. Section 181 BNS broadens the scope of the offence by adding mending to making, adding die alongside machinery, instrument, or material, and extending protection to coin and Government revenue stamps alongside currency-notes and bank-notes. The punishment remains unchanged at imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and liability to fine.

IPC 489D vs BNS 181: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section489D181
OffenceMaking or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting 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 489D and BNS 181: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 489D, IPC 1860

489D. Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency notes or bank-notes.—Whoever makes, or performs any part of the process of making, or buys or sells or disposes of, or has in his possession, any machinery, instrument or material for the purpose of being used, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for forging or counterfeiting any currency-note or bank-note, 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 181, BNS 2023

Whoever makes or mends, or performs any part of the process of making or mending, or buys or sells or disposes of, or has in his possession, any machinery, die, or instrument or material for the purpose of being used, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for forging or counterfeiting any coin, stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, currency-note or bank-note, 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 489D vs BNS 181

Under IPC 489D
  1. The accused made, performed any part of the process of making, bought, sold, disposed of, or had in possession any machinery, instrument, or material
  2. The machinery, instrument, or material was for the purpose of being used for forging or counterfeiting any currency-note or bank-note
  3. Alternatively, the accused acted knowing or having reason to believe that the machinery, instrument, or material was intended to be used for forging or counterfeiting any currency-note or bank-note
Under BNS 181
  1. Making, mending, performing any part of the process of making or mending, buying, selling, disposing of, or possessing any machinery, die, instrument, or material
  2. Acting for the purpose of using such machinery, die, instrument, or material for forging or counterfeiting any coin, Government revenue stamp, currency-note, or bank-note
  3. Alternatively, acting with knowledge or reason to believe that the item is intended to be used for forging or counterfeiting any such coin, stamp, currency-note, or bank-note

What IPC 489D to BNS 181 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 489D IPC (now Section 181 BNS): under Section 181 BNS, the offence penalises mending as well as making, includes a die, and covers machinery and materials for counterfeiting coin and Government revenue stamps as well as currency-notes, while retaining the same penalty of imprisonment for life or up to ten years and liability to fine, so charges for acts committed on or after 1 July 2024 must be registered under Section 181 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 489D to BNS 181

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

Section 181 BNS expands the offence by adding mends to makes, specifying die alongside machinery, and including coin and Government revenue stamps alongside currency-notes. The punishment remains imprisonment for life or up to ten years and liability to fine.

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

It sits in Section 181 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes and Government Stamps.

Does Section 489D IPC or Section 181 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 489D 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 489D IPC. Section 181 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 ·