IPC §235 → BNS §181
Possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin: if Indian coin
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Comparison
235. Possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin.—Whoever is in possession of any instrument or material, for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin, or knowing or having reason to believe that the same is intended to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; if Indian coin.—and if the coin to be counterfeited is 1[Indian coin], shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Whoever makes or mends, or performs any part of the process of making or mending, or buys or sells or disposes of, or has in his possession, any machinery, die, or instrument or material for the purpose of being used, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for forging or counterfeiting any coin, stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, currency-note or bank-note, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 235 (possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using same for counterfeiting coin; imprisonment up to 3 years with fine; Indian coin variant up to 10 years with fine) is preserved as BNS 181 within the unified instruments-and-materials offence. BNS 181 covers making, mending, buying, selling, disposing, AND possessing such instruments or materials uniformly. Punishment is unified at 'imprisonment for life or up to 10 years' with mandatory fine.
Old position
IPC 235 is concerned with Possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin: if Indian coin. Possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin
New position
BNS 181 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes. Whoever makes or mends, or performs any part of the process of making or mending, or buys or sells or disposes of, or has in his possession, any machinery, die, or instrument or material for the purpose of being used, or knowing or having
IPC 235 (possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using same for counterfeiting coin; imprisonment up to 3 years with fine; Indian coin variant up to 10 years with fine) is preserved as BNS 181 within the unified instruments-and-materials offence. BNS 181 covers making, mending,...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
IPC 235 (possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using same for counterfeiting coin; imprisonment up to 3 years with fine; Indian coin variant up to 10 years with fine) is preserved as BNS 181 within the unified instruments-and-materials offence. BNS 181 covers making, mending, buying, selling, disposing, AND possessing such instruments or materials uniformly. Punishment is unified at 'imprisonment for life or up to 10 years' with mandatory fine.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 235 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 181 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 181 (Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §235 → BNS §181 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/235.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.