Code : Section 178 BNS
Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any part of the process
of 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.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter,—
(1) the expression “bank-note” means a promissory note or engagement for the
payment of money to bearer on demand issued by any person carrying on the business
of banking in any part of the world, or issued by or under the authority of any State or
Sovereign Power, and intended to be used as equivalent to, or as a substitute for
money;
(2) “coin” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in section 2 of the
Coinage Act, 2011 and includes metal used for the time being as money and is stamped
and issued by or under the authority of any State or Sovereign Power intended to be
so used;
(3) a person commits the offence of “counterfeiting Government stamp” who
counterfeits by causing a genuine stamp of one denomination to appear like a genuine
stamp of a different denomination;
(4) a person commits the offence of counterfeiting coin who intending to practise
deception, or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby be practised, causes a
genuine coin to appear like a different coin; and
(5) the offence of “counterfeiting coin” includes diminishing the weight or
alteration of the composition, or alteration of the appearance of the coin
Explanation of Section 178 BNS
Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with one of the most serious economic offences — counterfeiting. It criminalizes the act of manufacturing, printing, or imitating coins, Government stamps, currency notes, or bank notes with the intent to deceive the public or gain unlawful advantage.
This offence not only affects individuals but also harms the economic integrity and financial security of the country.
Key Elements
- The act of counterfeiting or being involved in any part of the counterfeiting process.
- Applies to coins, Government stamps, currency notes, and bank notes.
- Knowledge and intention to counterfeit is essential.
- Punishable with imprisonment for life, or up to ten years, along with fine.
Illustration
Example:
Ramesh runs a small printing press. He, along with his associates, prints fake ₹500 currency notes and distributes them in the market. Ramesh is guilty under Section 178 BNS and can face life imprisonment or up to ten years imprisonment along with a fine.
Another Example:
A person knowingly helping in engraving a government stamp without authority will also be liable under this section.
Common Questions & Answers
1. What is considered as “counterfeiting” under Section 178 BNS?
Counterfeiting means creating or imitating something (coin, stamp, currency note, bank note) with the intention to deceive others into believing it to be genuine.
2. What is the punishment for counterfeiting under Section 178 BNS?
The punishment may extend to imprisonment for life or up to 10 years and fine.
3. Is mere possession of counterfeit currency punishable under this section?
No. Section 178 deals with the act of counterfeiting or participating in the counterfeiting process. Possession is dealt with under separate provisions.
4. Does this section require the intention to deceive?
Yes, knowledge and intention to deceive or assist in counterfeiting is essential.
5. Can aiding in the process also make a person liable?
Yes, even knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting is punishable under this section.
Related Sections (Clickable Internal Links)
You may also want to refer to:
- 👉 Section 179 BNS – Making or Possessing Instruments or Materials for Forging or Counterfeiting
- 👉 Section 180 BNS – Possession of Counterfeit Coin, Government Stamp, Currency-Note or Bank-Note
- 👉 Section 182 BNS – Using as Genuine, Forged or Counterfeit Documents or Stamps
Conclusion
Section 178 BNS ensures strict punishment for those involved in the counterfeiting of coins, Government stamps, currency notes, or bank notes. This provision protects the financial and economic stability of the country by criminalizing forgery at the highest level.
For more clear explanations of BNSS & BNS Sections, visit 👉 ApniLaw.com
