Section 246 IPC: Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of coin

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 246 IPC at a Glance

Section 246 IPC deals with fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of 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 three years.

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

Section 178 →

Section 246 IPC Bare Act Text

246. Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of coin

Whoever, fraudulently or dishonestly performs on any coin any operation which diminishes the weight or alters the composition of that coin, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation

A person who scoops out part of the coin and puts anything else into the cavity alters the composition of the coin.

Source: Section 246, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 246 IPC in Simple Words

Section 246 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes fraudulently or dishonestly performing on any coin any operation which diminishes its weight or alters its composition. An Explanation clarifies that scooping out part of a coin and putting anything else into the cavity alters the composition of the coin.

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 246 IPC

  • Performing on any coin any operation
  • The operation diminishes the weight of that coin or alters its composition
  • Acting fraudulently or dishonestly in performing the operation

Punishment Under Section 246 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 ⓘ

Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing the weight or altering the composition of coin is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Example of Section 246 IPC

In 2015, Prakash, a metalworker in Jaipur, took several foreign gold coins and used a fine drill to scoop out a portion of the precious metal from the interior of each coin. He then filled the hollowed cavities with cheap lead and sealed the openings, acting dishonestly to keep the extracted gold while passing the coins as unaltered. Under the Explanation to Section 246 IPC, scooping out part of a coin and putting another substance into the cavity alters its composition. Because he dishonestly performed an operation altering the composition of the coins, Prakash is punishable under Section 246 IPC.

When Section 246 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 246 IPC does not apply when no physical or chemical operation is carried out on a coin.
  • Section 246 IPC does not apply if the operation performed on the coin, such as gentle surface cleaning, neither reduces its weight nor changes its metallic composition.
  • Section 246 IPC does not apply where the item operated upon is a commemorative medallion or token that is not a coin.
  • Section 246 IPC does not apply when a person performs the operation without acting fraudulently or dishonestly.

Section 246 IPC in the BNS

Section 246 IPC is now covered under Section 178 BNS.

Under Section 246 IPC, diminishing the weight or altering the composition of coin was an independent offence carrying imprisonment of either description for up to three years and fine. Under Section 178 BNS, that conduct is subsumed into the definition of counterfeiting coin through clause five of the Explanation, which specifies that counterfeiting coin includes diminishing the weight or alteration of the composition of the coin. As a consequence of this consolidation, the applicable punishment increases substantially to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine. The Explanation to Section 246 IPC, on scooping out part of a coin and filling the cavity, has no counterpart in Section 178 BNS.

View detailed comparison (IPC 246 vs BNS 178) →

FAQs on Section 246 IPC

What does Section 246 IPC punish?▼

It punishes fraudulently or dishonestly performing on any coin any operation which diminishes its weight or alters its composition.

What is the punishment under Section 246 IPC?▼

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

What does the Explanation to Section 246 IPC explain?▼

It explains that scooping out part of a coin and putting anything else into the cavity alters the composition of the coin.

How is the conduct under Section 246 IPC treated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?▼

Clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS treats diminishing coin weight or altering coin composition as counterfeiting coin, raising the maximum punishment to imprisonment for life or up to ten years and fine.

Is Section 246 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 246 IPC?▼

It is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can Section 246 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 246 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Have questions about Section 246 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 ·