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Introduction of BNS 178

BNS 178 deals with the crime of counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency notes, or banknotes. It outlines the offenses related to counterfeiting, explains terms such as “bank-note” and “coin,” and specifies the punishments for those found guilty. This is a severe offense, as it affects the nation’s economy and integrity.


The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 178 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 171-H.



What is BNS Section 178 ?

BNS Section 178 addresses the counterfeiting of government-issued or authorized coins, stamps, and notes. It criminalizes any act of making, altering, or reproducing fake versions of these items with the intent to deceive.


BNS 178 - Counterfeiting Coins, Stamps, and Notes
BNS 178 punishes counterfeiting coins, stamps, notes

BNS 178 in Simple Points

  1. Offense of Counterfeiting
    • Any act of counterfeiting or assisting in counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency notes, or banknotes is an offense.
  2. Explanation of Terms
    • “Bank-note” includes promissory notes or payment instruments used as substitutes for money.
    • “Coin” refers to any metal stamped and issued by a government as currency, as defined in the Coinage Act, 2011.
  3. Punishment
    • Life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine for individuals involved in counterfeiting.
  4. Cognizable & Non-bailable
    • This is a cognizable offense (police can arrest without a warrant) and non-bailable (bail is not granted easily).
  5. Trial Court
    • The case will be tried in a Court of Session as the offense is serious in nature.

Section 178 BNS Overview

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 178 deals with counterfeiting of government-issued currency, coins, stamps, or notes. Counterfeiting is a serious offense because it undermines the financial integrity of the nation. This section outlines the offense, the terms related to it, and the punishments for engaging in any form of counterfeiting.

10 Key Points of BNS Section 178

  1. Offense of Counterfeiting:
    • BNS 178 criminalizes the act of counterfeiting any coin, stamp issued by the government, or currency notes/banknotes. This includes not only the creation of fake items but also knowingly participating in any part of the process of counterfeiting.
    • Example: If someone prints fake currency notes or helps modify a coin to make it look like a different one, they are committing this offense.
  1. Broad Scope of Counterfeiting:
    • The scope of counterfeiting under BNS 178 is broad. It doesn’t just apply to full counterfeiting but also to anyone involved in any part of the process. Even those assisting the counterfeiter with knowledge of the illegal activity are considered guilty.
    • Example: A person who provides machinery or materials used for making counterfeit notes is as culpable as the one printing the notes.
  1. Bank-Notes Definition:
    • The section defines “bank-note” as any promissory note or an engagement issued for the payment of money to a bearer on demand. It could be issued by a banking institution anywhere in the world or by a sovereign authority.
    • Important Aspect: Any instrument intended to act as a substitute for money is considered a bank-note. It covers both domestic and international fake notes.
  1. Coin Definition:
    • Under this section, “coin” refers to any metal that is stamped and issued by a sovereign authority for use as money. It includes coins as defined in the Coinage Act, 2011, and covers metal used as legal tender.
    • Example: Tampering with the composition or the appearance of an official coin is considered counterfeiting, even if it’s a slight alteration.
  1. Counterfeiting Government Stamps:
    • The section defines the specific offense of counterfeiting government stamps. It includes causing a stamp of one denomination to appear as a stamp of a different denomination.
    • Example: Modifying a ₹5 revenue stamp to look like a ₹10 stamp would fall under this offense.
  1. Counterfeiting Coins:
    • This specific subsection covers counterfeiting coins, where someone makes a genuine coin appear like a different coin to deceive others. This includes tampering with the coin’s weight, appearance, or material composition.
    • Example: If a ₹1 coin is made to look like a ₹10 coin by changing its weight or appearance, it is considered counterfeiting.
  1. Punishment for Counterfeiting:
    • The punishment for counterfeiting under BNS 178 is severe. It includes imprisonment for life or imprisonment up to 10 years, and the offender will also be liable to a fine.
    • Reason for Severity: The punishment reflects the gravity of the offense, as counterfeiting impacts national economic stability and can be used to finance illegal activities.
  1. Cognizable Offense:
    • BNS 178 is classified as a cognizable offense, meaning the police have the authority to arrest the accused without a warrant. Immediate action is allowed due to the seriousness of the crime.
    • Why It’s Important: Swift police action is essential to stop the spread of counterfeit currency or stamps that could further damage the economy.
  1. Non-Bailable Offense:
    • Section 178 is non-bailable, which means that the accused does not have the right to secure bail easily. The court has to consider various factors and evidence before granting bail.
    • Why Non-Bailable? The non-bailable nature of the offense reflects the potential risk the accused may pose to society and the economy if they are released.
  1. Trial by Court of Session:
  • The case for an offense under BNS 178 will be tried in a Court of Session. Given the severity of the crime, only higher courts have the jurisdiction to handle these cases, ensuring that the judicial process is thorough and stringent.
  • Significance: Courts of Session handle more serious offenses, ensuring that cases involving national financial fraud are dealt with by experienced judges.

BNS 178 Punishment

  1. Punishment:
    • Under Section 178, the punishment for counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency notes, or banknotes is either life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.
  2. Fine:
    • In addition to imprisonment, the offender is liable to pay a fine. The fine amount is not specified in the section and is decided by the court depending on the severity and scale of the offense.

BNS 178 Punishmnt - Life Imprisonment or Fine
Punishment under BNS 178 includes life imprisonment

BNS 178 bailable or not ?

Non-bailable:

  • BNS Section 178 is a non-bailable offense, meaning that bail is not granted automatically. The accused can only be released on bail under special circumstances, and the decision rests with the court.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 178

OffensePunishmentClassificationBailTrial Court
Counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency-notes, or bank-notesLife imprisonment or up to 10 years + fineCognizable, Non-compoundableNon-bailableCourt of Session
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 178

BNS Section 178 FAQs

What is BNS Section 178?

What are the punishments under BNS Section 178?

Is counterfeiting under BNS Section 178 a bailable offense?

Can the police arrest without a warrant under BNS Section 178?

Yes, it is a cognizable offense, meaning the police can arrest the accused without needing a warrant. This allows for immediate legal action to prevent further harm caused by counterfeit items.

What constitutes ‘counterfeiting a coin’?

Which court handles cases under BNS Section 178?


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