Section 247 IPC: Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of Indian coin

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 247 IPC at a Glance

Section 247 IPC deals with fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of Indian 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 247 IPC Bare Act Text

247. Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of Indian coin

Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly performs on any Indian 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 seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 247, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 247 IPC in Simple Words

Section 247 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes fraudulently or dishonestly performing on any Indian coin any operation which diminishes its weight or alters its composition.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to seven 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 247 IPC

  • Performing on any Indian coin any operation
  • The coin operated upon was an Indian coin as defined in Section 230 IPC
  • The operation diminishes the weight of the coin or alters its composition
  • Acting fraudulently or dishonestly in performing the operation

Punishment Under Section 247 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 ⓘ

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

Example of Section 247 IPC

In 2020, Tarun, a scrap dealer in Coimbatore, collected a large number of genuine Indian five-rupee coins and used a rotary lathe to shave a thin layer of metal from the rim of every coin. He performed this operation dishonestly in order to melt the removed metal into ingots for wrongful gain while spending the lighter Indian coins at local markets. Because Tarun dishonestly performed an operation on Indian coins that diminished their weight, Tarun is punishable under Section 247 IPC.

When Section 247 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 247 IPC does not apply when the coin subjected to the operation is a foreign coin rather than an Indian coin.
  • Section 247 IPC does not apply if no operation is performed on the Indian coin.
  • Section 247 IPC does not apply where the operation on the Indian coin neither reduces its weight nor alters its composition.
  • Section 247 IPC does not apply when the operation is carried out without any fraudulent or dishonest intent.

Section 247 IPC in the BNS

Section 247 IPC is now covered under Section 178 BNS.

Section 247 IPC punished fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing the weight or altering the composition of Indian coin with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and fine. Section 178 BNS eliminates the separate Indian coin category and unifies all coin tampering under a consolidated offence. Under clause five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS, diminishing the weight or altering the composition of any coin is treated as counterfeiting coin, raising the maximum penalty to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine.

View detailed comparison (IPC 247 vs BNS 178) →

FAQs on Section 247 IPC

What does Section 247 IPC punish?▼

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

What is the punishment under Section 247 IPC?▼

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

How did Section 247 IPC differ from Section 246 IPC?▼

Section 246 IPC applied to any coin and carried up to three years imprisonment, whereas Section 247 IPC applied specifically to Indian coin and carried up to seven years imprisonment.

How is the conduct under Section 247 IPC treated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?▼

Section 178 BNS eliminates the separate Indian coin category and treats diminishing the weight or altering the composition of any coin as counterfeiting coin under clause five of its Explanation, carrying imprisonment for life or up to ten years and fine.

Is Section 247 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 247 IPC?▼

It is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can Section 247 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 247 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

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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 ·