IPC 254 vs BNS 254

Delivery of counterfeit coin possessed with knowledge of its falsity

Section 254 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addresses the offence of delivering counterfeit coin that the offender possesses with knowledge of its falsity. Unlike earlier provisions where intent or possession itself was criminalized, this section focuses on the act of actually passing or delivering the counterfeit coin as genuine after knowing it is fake.

Key aspects:

Applies to any person who delivers counterfeit coin.
The offender must have known at the time of possession that the coin was counterfeit.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 5 years, and fine.

Example: A person who knowingly keeps counterfeit coins uses them at a shop to make a purchase. IPC 254 treats this as a more serious offence than mere possession because it involves active circulation of fake currency, which directly threatens economic stability.

Delivery of counterfeit coin possessed with knowledge of its falsity

Section 254 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, retains the same principle as IPC 254. It penalizes any person who, while in possession of counterfeit coin with knowledge of its falsity, delivers or attempts to deliver it as genuine.

Key aspects:

Offence applies to all individuals who deliver fake coins knowingly.
Delivery or attempt to circulate is the criminal act.
Punishment remains: Imprisonment up to 5 years, and fine.

Example: An individual knowingly gives a fake coin to a bus conductor as fare. BNS 254 reinforces

the seriousness of such actions because they directly introduce counterfeit currency into circulation, undermining both public trust and economic security.

Delivery of counterfeit coin possessed with knowledge of its falsity

Delivery of counterfeit coin possessed with knowledge of its falsity

What changed?