Code : Section 182 BNS
(1) Whoever makes, or causes to be made, or uses for any purpose whatsoever,
or delivers to any person, any document purporting to be, or in any way resembling, or so
nearly resembling as to be calculated to deceive, any currency-note or bank-note shall be
punished with fine which may extend to three hundred rupees.
(2) If any person, whose name appears on a document the making of which is an
offence under sub-section (1), refuses, without lawful excuse, to disclose to a police officer
on being so required the name and address of the person by whom it was printed or otherwise
made, he shall be punished with fine which may extend to six hundred rupees.
(3) Where the name of any person appears on any document in respect of which any
person is charged with an offence under sub-section (1) or on any other document used or
distributed in connection with that document it may, until the contrary is proved, be presumed
that the person caused the document to be made.
Explanation of Section 182 BNS
Section 182 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, addresses the act of creating, using, or circulating any document that looks like or resembles a currency note or banknote with the intention to deceive people.
The law ensures that no person is allowed to print, distribute, or circulate any document that visually imitates official currency, even if it is not an actual counterfeit, but can mislead or confuse a common person.
This provision is framed as a preventive measure to stop people from misleading others by issuing deceptive-looking documents.
Key Ingredients of the Offence
- Making, causing to be made, or using any document.
- The document resembles or is designed to resemble a currency note or banknote.
- It has the potential to deceive an ordinary person.
- Fine up to ₹100 can be imposed.
Illustration
Example 1:
A company prints vouchers or coupons that look exactly like ₹500 notes with minor changes to promote a scheme. Even if they clearly mention “Not a Legal Tender,” they may fall under this section if the resemblance is strong enough to mislead.
Example 2:
A person prints play-money notes for games or party purposes but forgets to mark them as fake, and they resemble real ₹100 currency notes. He may be liable under Section 182.
Common Questions & Answers
1. What is the punishment under Section 182 BNS?
The punishment is a fine which may extend to ₹100.
2. Does the section require the document to be a counterfeit currency?
No. Even if the document is not intended as actual counterfeit currency, if it resembles a currency note or banknote and can deceive, this section applies.
3. Can promotional or marketing material be penalized under this section?
Yes, if the promotional material resembles currency notes to such an extent that it may mislead or deceive people, it can attract punishment under Section 182.
4. Is imprisonment prescribed under this section?
No, only a fine (up to ₹100) is prescribed under this section.
Related Sections (Clickable Internal Links)
For better understanding, you may refer:
- 👉 Section 178 BNS – Counterfeiting Coin, Government Stamps, Currency-Notes Or Bank-Notes
- 👉 Section 179 BNS – Using As Genuine, Forged Or Counterfeit Coin, Government Stamp, Currency-Notes Or Bank-Notes
- 👉 Section 180 BNS – Possession Of Forged Or Counterfeit Coin, Government Stamp, Currency-Notes Or Bank-Notes
- 👉 Section 181 BNS – Making Or Possessing Instruments Or Materials For Forging Or Counterfeiting Coin, Government Stamp, Currency-Notes Or Bank-Notes
Conclusion
Section 182 BNS acts as a preventive tool to safeguard the public against misleading documents that appear to be currency notes or banknotes. It is a protective provision to ensure public trust in currency is not misused, even in trivial or promotional activities.
For detailed explanations of other BNS sections, visit 👉 ApniLaw.com
