Code : Section 188 BNS
Whoever, without lawful authority, takes out of any mint, lawfully established in
India, any coining tool or instrument, 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 188 BNS
Section 188 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, penalizes unauthorized removal of coining instruments or parts thereof from any lawfully established mint in India.
The section aims to safeguard the integrity of the minting process and prevent misuse of minting instruments for illegal activities like counterfeiting.
Key Ingredients
- The act must involve taking out a coining instrument or part of it.
- The mint must be lawfully established in India.
- The act must be without lawful authority or excuse.
Punishment
- Imprisonment up to 7 years; AND
- Fine
Illustration
Example:
A technician employed in a Government mint secretly takes a coining die used to stamp official coins and attempts to remove it from the premises without permission. This act is punishable under Section 188 BNS.
Common Questions & Answers
1. What is a coining instrument?
Any machinery, die, tool, or part thereof used in the minting of coins.
2. Who can be punished under Section 188?
Any person who unlawfully removes a coining instrument from an officially established mint.
3. Why is this provision important?
It prevents unauthorized access to minting tools, which could otherwise facilitate counterfeiting and threaten the financial security of the nation.
4. What is the punishment under Section 188?
Imprisonment up to 7 years along with a fine.
Related Sections (Clickable Internal Links)
You may also refer:
- 👉 Section 187 BNS – Person Employed In Mint Causing Coin To Be Of Different Weight Or Composition From That Fixed By Law
- 👉 Section 178 BNS – Counterfeiting Coin, Government Stamps, 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 188 BNS is a preventive and protective provision aimed at controlling the unauthorized removal of minting instruments, which may pose a threat to currency authenticity and public trust in the monetary system.
For section-wise detailed information on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, visit 👉 ApniLaw.com
