IPC §256 → BNS §181

Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp

ModifiedConfidence: mediumStatus: cross checkedconsolidation context(observed)consolidation context(precautionary)
View government sourcemha.gov.in(opens the Indian Penal Code, 1860 PDF on mha.gov.in in a new tab)
Last updated 2026-05-01 · Input coverage: full

Compiled by AI-assisted tools. Text verified against official sources where indicated. Field-level labels (AI-indicated / AI-inferred / Text-verified) apply per edge metadata. Verify current bail/cognizable status against official sources before relying on procedural claims. Last updated: 2026-04-28.

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Comparison

Old law
IPC §256
Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp

256. Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp.— Whoever has in his possession any instrument or material for the purpose of being used, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for the purpose of counterfeiting any stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. 1. Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for “any of the Queen’s coin”. 2. Subs. by Act 26 of 1955, s. 117 and the Sch., for “transportation for life” (w.e.f. 1-1-1956).

New law
BNS §181
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 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 256 (having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp; imprisonment up to 7 years with fine) absorbed into BNS 181.

Old position

IPC 256 is concerned with Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp. Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp

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 256 (having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp; imprisonment up to 7 years with fine) absorbed into BNS 181.

Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)

IPC 256 (having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp; imprisonment up to 7 years with fine) absorbed into BNS 181.

Transitional note (repeal & savings)

For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 256 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.

Government source

The statutory text above is compiled from the Act as published by the Government of India. The links open the full Act; use the PDF's search to find the section number. The linked government pages offer no link to a single section.

Newlaws.in is an independent site, not a government body. The mappings and notes on this page are its own AI-assisted comparison and are not published or endorsed by any government body.

Sources

Cite this page

Newlaws.in, IPC §256 → BNS §181 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-10-29, https://newlaws.in/ipc/256.

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.