Section 249 IPC: Altering appearance of Indian coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 249 IPC at a Glance

Section 249 IPC deals with altering appearance of Indian 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 seven years.

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

Section 178 →

Section 249 IPC Bare Act Text

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

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

Source: Section 249, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 249 IPC in Simple Words

Section 249 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes performing on any Indian 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 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 249 IPC

  • Performing on any Indian coin any operation
  • The coin operated upon was an Indian coin as defined in Section 230 IPC
  • The operation alters the appearance of that coin
  • Acting with the intention that the coin shall pass as a coin of a different description

Punishment Under Section 249 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 ⓘ

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

Example of Section 249 IPC

In 2018, Devendra worked at a small workshop in Jaipur where he collected genuine Indian two-rupee coins issued by the Government of India. He chemically washed those Indian two-rupee coins, etched new numerals onto their faces, and welded a golden ring around their outer borders. This operation altered the appearance of the genuine two-rupee coins so that they looked like Indian ten-rupee bimetallic coins. Devendra performed this operation intending that the altered coins would pass in the market as ten-rupee coins. Devendra is punishable under Section 249 IPC.

When Section 249 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 249 IPC does not apply when the coin worked upon is a foreign coin rather than an Indian coin.
  • Section 249 IPC does not apply when a person merely possesses or handles an Indian coin without carrying out any physical or chemical operation on it.
  • Section 249 IPC does not apply when the process carried out on the Indian coin cleans or polishes it without changing its appearance.
  • Section 249 IPC does not apply when a person modifies the look of an Indian coin for decorative or artistic use without intending that it pass as a coin of another denomination or description.

Section 249 IPC in the BNS

Section 249 IPC is now covered under Section 178 BNS.

Section 249 IPC punished altering the appearance of Indian coin with intent that it pass as a coin of a different description with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and fine. Section 178 BNS removes the separate category of Indian coin and unifies all coin tampering under a single offence. Under clauses four and five of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS, altering the appearance of any coin to deceive is defined as counterfeiting coin. This increases the maximum penalty to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and fine.

View detailed comparison (IPC 249 vs BNS 178) →

FAQs on Section 249 IPC

What does Section 249 IPC punish?▼

It punishes performing on any Indian 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 249 IPC?▼

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

How did Section 249 IPC differ from Section 248 IPC?▼

Section 248 IPC applied to any coin and carried up to three years imprisonment, whereas Section 249 IPC applied specifically to Indian coin and carried up to seven years imprisonment.

How is the conduct under Section 249 IPC treated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?▼

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

Is Section 249 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 249 IPC?▼

It is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can Section 249 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 249 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 ·