Section 231 IPC: Counterfeiting coin

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 231 IPC at a Glance

Section 231 IPC deals with counterfeiting coin. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 178 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 178 →

Section 231 IPC Bare Act Text

231. Counterfeiting coin

Whoever counterfeits or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting coin, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation

A person commits this offence who intending to practise deception, or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby be practised, causes a genuine coin to appear like a different coin.

Source: Section 231, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 231 IPC in Simple Words

Section 231 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes counterfeiting coin or knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting coin. It also punishes causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin with intent to practise deception or knowing that deception is likely to be practised.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine. The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Ingredients of Section 231 IPC

  • Counterfeiting coin
  • Knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting coin
  • Causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin, intending to practise deception or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby be practised

Punishment Under Section 231 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.

Fine

The offender shall also be liable to fine.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

Counterfeiting coin is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Example of Section 231 IPC

In 2017, in a basement in Ludhiana, Karan poured molten alloy into moulds to cast fake foreign coins used as money, and he also electroplated genuine low-value foreign coins so they would appear like higher-value coins, intending to practise deception on buyers. Because Karan counterfeited coin, knowingly performed part of the counterfeiting process, and caused genuine coins to appear like different coins with intent to deceive, Karan is punishable under Section 231 IPC.

When Section 231 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The object being imitated or altered is a commemorative medal or token rather than a coin used for the time being as money.
  • A worker supplies ordinary raw metal or fuel without knowing that the buyer is using it in a process of counterfeiting coin.
  • A person cleans, polishes, or mounts a genuine coin as jewellery without causing it to resemble a different coin and without any intent or likelihood of practising deception.

Section 231 IPC in the BNS

Section 231 IPC is now covered under Section 178 BNS.

Section 231 IPC is absorbed into Section 178 BNS, which consolidates counterfeiting coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes into one section. The Explanation to Section 231 IPC is retained as clause four of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment rises from seven years under Section 231 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, under Section 178 BNS, and fine in both.

View detailed comparison (IPC 231 vs BNS 178) →

FAQs on Section 231 IPC

What does Section 231 IPC punish?▼

It punishes counterfeiting coin or knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting coin.

What is the punishment under Section 231 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and fine.

Does Section 231 IPC apply to altering genuine coins?▼

Yes. Under the Explanation, causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin, intending to practise deception or knowing deception is likely, is counterfeiting coin under Section 231 IPC.

Is Section 231 IPC bailable or cognizable?▼

The offence is cognizable and non-bailable under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Which court tries an offence under Section 231 IPC?▼

It is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can an offence under Section 231 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 231 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 231 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is consolidated into Section 178 BNS in Chapter X.

Have questions about Section 231 IPC?

Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.

Ask NyayGuru →

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·