Section 248 IPC: Altering appearance of coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 248 IPC at a Glance

Section 248 IPC deals with altering appearance of coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description. 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 248 IPC Bare Act Text

248. Altering appearance of coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description

Whoever performs on any coin any operation which alters the appearance of that coin, with the intention that the said coin shall pass as a coin of a different description, 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 248, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 248 IPC in Simple Words

Section 248 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes performing on any coin any operation which alters its appearance, with the intention that the coin shall pass as a coin of a different description.

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 248 IPC

  • Performing on any coin any operation
  • The operation alters the appearance of that coin
  • Acting with the intention that the said coin shall pass as a coin of a different description

Punishment Under Section 248 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 ⓘ

Altering the appearance of coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of a different description is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Example of Section 248 IPC

In 2022, Kunal, an electroplater in Surat, took genuine Indian one-rupee coins and coated their outer ring with a layer of brass alloy while re-stamping the numerals on the face. This operation altered the appearance of each one-rupee coin so that it looked like a bi-metallic ten-rupee coin. Kunal performed the operation with the intention that the altered one-rupee coins would pass at highway toll booths as ten-rupee coins. Because he performed an operation altering the appearance of coins intending that they pass as coins of a different description, Kunal is punishable under Section 248 IPC.

When Section 248 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 248 IPC does not apply when no operation is carried out on a coin.
  • Section 248 IPC does not apply if the operation performed on the coin does not change its visual appearance.
  • Section 248 IPC does not apply where a person alters the look of a coin, such as by enamelling it for use as a pendant, without intending that it shall pass as a coin of a different description.

Section 248 IPC in the BNS

Section 248 IPC is now covered under Section 178 BNS.

Section 248 IPC made altering the appearance of a coin with intent that it shall pass as a coin of a different description an independent offence punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to three years and fine. In Section 178 BNS, this conduct is merged into the general offence of counterfeiting coin through clauses four and five of the Explanation, which state that causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin and altering the appearance of a coin constitute counterfeiting coin. This consolidation raises the maximum punishment to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine.

View detailed comparison (IPC 248 vs BNS 178) →

FAQs on Section 248 IPC

What does Section 248 IPC punish?▼

It punishes performing on any coin any operation which alters its appearance, with the intention that the coin shall pass as a coin of a different description.

What is the punishment under Section 248 IPC?▼

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

How is the conduct under Section 248 IPC treated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?▼

Clauses four and five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS define altering coin appearance to pass as another coin as counterfeiting coin, punishable with imprisonment for life or up to ten years and fine.

Is Section 248 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 248 IPC?▼

It is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can Section 248 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 248 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 ·