Section 237 IPC: Import or export of counterfeit coin

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 237 IPC at a Glance

Section 237 IPC deals with import or export of counterfeit coin. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 179 BNS.

Punishment

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

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

Section 179 →

Section 237 IPC Bare Act Text

237. Import or export of counterfeit coin

Whoever imports into India, or exports therefrom, any counterfeit coin, knowing or having reason to believe that the same is counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 237, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 237 IPC in Simple Words

Section 237 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes importing into India, or exporting from India, any counterfeit coin, knowing or having reason to believe that the coin is counterfeit.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and fine.

Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Ingredients of Section 237 IPC

  • Importing into India, or exporting from India, any counterfeit coin
  • The coin is counterfeit
  • Knowing or having reason to believe that the coin is counterfeit

Punishment Under Section 237 IPC

Imprisonment

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

Fine

The offender shall also be liable to fine.

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

Importing or exporting counterfeit coin is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Example of Section 237 IPC

In 2020, Tarun arranged to send a cargo consignment of brass handicrafts from Kochi port to a foreign buyer. Inside the hollow bases of the brass statues, Tarun concealed several hundred counterfeit foreign coins, knowing that those coins had been unlawfully fabricated and were counterfeit. By dispatching the consignment across the customs frontier out of the country, Tarun exported counterfeit coin from India while knowing that the same was counterfeit. Tarun is punishable under Section 237 IPC.

When Section 237 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 237 IPC does not apply when the coins brought into or sent out of India are genuine rather than counterfeit.
  • Section 237 IPC does not apply when the counterfeit coins are only moved between two places within India without being imported into or exported from India.
  • Section 237 IPC does not apply when the person importing or exporting the coins neither knew nor had reason to believe that they were counterfeit.

Section 237 IPC in the BNS

Section 237 IPC is now covered under Section 179 BNS.

Section 237 IPC is merged into Section 179 BNS, which consolidates importing, exporting, selling, delivering, buying, receiving, trafficking, and using as genuine any forged or counterfeit coin, Government stamp, currency-note, or bank-note. The maximum punishment rises significantly from three years under Section 237 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, under Section 179 BNS, and fine.

View detailed comparison (IPC 237 vs BNS 179) →

FAQs on Section 237 IPC

What does Section 237 IPC punish?▼

It punishes importing into India, or exporting from India, any counterfeit coin, knowing or having reason to believe that the coin is counterfeit.

What is the punishment under Section 237 IPC?▼

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

Does Section 237 IPC require proof that the accused knew the coin was counterfeit?▼

Yes. The prosecution must prove that the accused imported or exported the coin knowing or having reason to believe that it was counterfeit.

Is Section 237 IPC bailable?▼

No. The offence is non-bailable and cognizable under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Which court tries an offence under Section 237 IPC?▼

It is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can an offence under Section 237 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 237 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 237 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is consolidated into Section 179 BNS, which covers trafficking and using counterfeit coin, stamps, and currency.

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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 ·