Code : Section 187 BNS
Whoever, being employed in any mint lawfully established in India, does any act,
or omits what he is legally bound to do, with the intention of causing any coin issued from
that mint to be of a different weight or composition from the weight or composition fixed by
law, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation of Section 187 BNS
Section 187 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, deals with misconduct by mint employees. It criminalizes any intentional act or omission by a person working in a Government mint that results in coins being of a different weight or composition than prescribed by law.
This provision ensures that coins manufactured in Government mints maintain uniformity and legality in their weight and metal content.
Key Ingredients
- The person must be employed in a lawfully established mint in India.
- There must be an act done or a legal duty omitted.
- There must be intent to alter the coin’s prescribed weight or composition.
Punishment
- Imprisonment up to 7 years; AND
- Fine
Illustration
Example:
A mint employee deliberately reduces the silver content in a batch of coins during the minting process to misappropriate the precious metal. This act of intentional deviation in composition is punishable under Section 187 BNS.
Common Questions & Answers
1. Who is liable under Section 187 BNS?
Only persons employed in a lawfully established mint in India.
2. What type of act or omission is punishable?
Any deliberate act or omission that causes coins to differ in weight or composition from the legal standard.
3. What is the objective of this section?
To maintain public trust in the integrity of Government-minted coins and prevent economic offences.
4. What is the maximum punishment under Section 187 BNS?
Imprisonment up to 7 years along with a fine.
Related Sections (Clickable Internal Links)
You may also 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 181 BNS – Making Or Possessing Instruments For Forging Or Counterfeiting Coin, Government Stamp, Currency-Notes Or Bank-Notes
Conclusion
Section 187 BNS ensures strict accountability of mint employees and protects the economy from coin debasement and fraud. This provision helps maintain the legal sanctity and trustworthiness of Government-minted currency.
For complete, section-wise explanations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, visit 👉 ApniLaw.com
