IPC 253 vs BNS 253
● Retained in BNSPossession of counterfeit coin with knowledge, intending to use it as genuine
Section 253 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of possessing counterfeit coin with the knowledge of its falsity and the intent to use it as genuine. This provision ensures that mere possession of fake currency, once knowledge of its nature is established, is considered a punishable offence if there is intent to circulate it.
Key aspects:
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Applies to any person in possession of counterfeit coin.
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The offender must know the coin is counterfeit.
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There must be intention to use it as genuine.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, and fine.
Example: A person finds out that a coin they hold is fake but keeps it with the intent to use it in a market transaction. IPC 253 penalizes this to protect the currency system and prevent fraud.
Possession of counterfeit coin with knowledge, intending to use it as genuine
Section 253 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, retains the same principle as IPC 253. It punishes individuals who possess counterfeit coins, knowing them to be fake, with the intention of passing them as genuine.
Key aspects:
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Applies universally, not limited to officials.
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Knowledge and intent to use as genuine are essential ingredients.
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Punishment remains: Imprisonment up to 3 years, and fine.
Example: A commuter knowingly keeps counterfeit coins to use them later for bus fare. BNS 253 maintains the sanctity of the monetary system, ensuring counterfeit money does not enter circulation.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 253 to BNS BNS 253.