Introduction of BNS 181
BNS 181 addresses the crime of dealing with tools, equipment, or materials intended for counterfeiting currency, coins, or government stamps. If a person makes, repairs, buys, sells, or possesses such items with the knowledge or suspicion that they will be used for creating counterfeit currency or stamps, they are committing a serious offense. The section imposes strict penalties, including life imprisonment or imprisonment for up to 10 years, along with a fine, reflecting the severity of counterfeiting-related crimes.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 181 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 233.
- Introduction of BNS 181
- What is BNS Section 181 ?
- BNS 181 in Simple Points
- Section 181 BNS Overview
- BNS 181 Punishment
- BNS 181 bailable or not ?
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 181
- BNS Section 181 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is BNS Section 181 ?
BNS 181 states that if anyone makes, repairs, buys, sells, or has in their possession any equipment or materials that can be used to create fake currency, coins, or government stamps, and they know or suspect that these items are intended for counterfeiting, they are committing a crime. The punishment for this crime can be imprisonment for life or up to 10 years along with a fine.

BNS 181 in Simple Points
- Offense Involvement:
- This section punishes anyone involved in making, mending, buying, selling, or possessing instruments or materials used for forging or counterfeiting currency, stamps, or banknotes.
- This includes any part of the process, even if the person is not directly making the counterfeit item.
- Knowledge of Counterfeiting:
- The individual must have knowledge or a reasonable belief that the instruments or materials are being used for counterfeiting.
- If they are aware of the intended use for counterfeit purposes, they fall under the purview of this section.
- Types of Materials Covered:
- This section includes items such as machinery, dies, or other instruments that can be used in counterfeiting.
- It applies to a variety of items, including coins, government stamps, and banknotes.
- Intent to Use:
- The law applies if the person intends to use the instruments for counterfeiting or if they know that someone else intends to use them for such purposes.
- Even possession with the intent to counterfeit is punishable.
- Protection of Currency and Economy:
- The section aims to safeguard the country’s currency system and economic stability by targeting those involved in the counterfeiting process.
Section 181 BNS Overview
BNS Section 181 deals with individuals who are involved in the making, possessing, or selling of machinery, instruments, or materials intended to be used for the purpose of counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency-notes, or banknotes. This section is designed to punish those who facilitate the counterfeiting process by handling the tools required for such illegal activities.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of BNS Section 181:
1. Offense Description
- What it covers: The offense includes the making, mending, buying, selling, or possessing any machinery, die, instrument, or material that could be used for forging or counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency-notes, or banknotes.
- Detail: Whether a person is directly involved in manufacturing the counterfeit items or simply possesses the tools necessary for counterfeiting, they can be charged under this section.
2. Knowledge and Intent
- Requirement: The individual must know or have reason to believe that the materials or instruments they possess are meant for use in counterfeiting.
- Importance: If someone is unaware of the counterfeit intent behind the materials they hold, they cannot be held liable under this section. However, deliberate ignorance or ignoring red flags could lead to charges.
3. Types of Counterfeiting Covered
- Items involved: This section applies to instruments or materials for counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency-notes, and banknotes.
- Detail: The section ensures that various forms of counterfeiting, whether it’s physical money or government-issued stamps, are punishable.
4. Punishment
Imprisonment: The punishment under BNS Section 181 includes imprisonment for life or imprisonment for up to 10 years, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Fine: In addition to imprisonment, the offender is also liable to a fine.
- Detail: The court will consider the intent, scale, and severity of the offense when deciding the exact punishment.
5. Cognizable Offense
- What it means: This offense is classified as cognizable, meaning that the police have the authority to arrest the accused without a warrant.
- Reason: Given the seriousness of counterfeiting and its impact on national security and the economy, immediate action by law enforcement is permitted.
6. Non-bailable
- Explanation: The offense under Section 181 is non-bailable, meaning that bail is not automatically granted and the accused must seek bail from a court.
- Reason: Due to the seriousness of the crime, the risk of the accused absconding, and the broader implications of counterfeiting on national security, it is harder to obtain bail.
7. Triable by Court of Session
- Trial court: The offense is triable by the Court of Session, which handles serious criminal offenses.
- Importance: The trial is held in a higher court, emphasizing the gravity of counterfeiting-related offenses.
8. Non-compoundable Offense
Explanation: The offense is non-compoundable, meaning that it cannot be settled out of court by mutual agreement between the parties.
- Detail: Once the case is registered, it must go through the legal process, and no private settlement can end the prosecution.
9. Intent to Prevent Large-scale Counterfeiting
- Explanation: This section is designed not only to punish individuals directly involved in counterfeiting but also to stop the supply chain of counterfeit production by punishing those who handle the instruments for the crime.
- Detail: It acts as a deterrent for those who might not create counterfeit items themselves but are part of the process.
10. Broader Legal Implications
Importance: Section 181 ensures that counterfeiting activities are curbed at multiple levels, from production to distribution.
- Explanation: By targeting the machinery and materials used in counterfeiting, the law disrupts the creation and circulation of counterfeit currency and stamps, protecting the integrity of the nation’s economy.
BNS 181 Punishment
- Imprisonment:
- The punishment can extend to life imprisonment or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
- Fine:
- In addition to imprisonment, the offender is also liable to a fine.

BNS 181 bailable or not ?
Non-Bailable: This offense is non-bailable, meaning the accused must apply for bail in court, and it is not guaranteed.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 181
Offense | Punishment | Classification | Bail | Trial Court |
---|---|---|---|---|
Making, buying, selling, or possessing machinery, instruments, or materials for forging or counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency-notes, or banknotes. | Imprisonment for life or up to 10 years and fine. | Cognizable | Non-bailable | Court of Session |
BNS Section 181 FAQs
What is the main focus of BNS Section 181?
BNS Section 181 focuses on the creation, possession, or trade of tools and materials used for counterfeiting coins, government stamps, and currency notes. It criminalizes the entire process of making fake money or stamps.
What is the punishment under BNS Section 181?
The punishment for violating BNS Section 181 includes imprisonment for life or imprisonment for up to 10 years, along with a possible fine. The severity depends on the nature of the offense.
Is BNS Section 181 a bailable offense?
No, BNS Section 181 is a non-bailable offense. This means that bail is not automatically granted, and the accused must apply to the court for bail.
What type of offense is classified under BNS Section 181?
BNS Section 181 is classified as a cognizable offense, meaning the police can arrest the offender without a warrant. It is also non-compoundable, meaning the charges cannot be dropped or settled outside the court.
What is an example of an offense under BNS Section 181?
An example could be if a person is found with a machine that produces counterfeit coins or a die that creates fake government stamps, and they know it is being used for illegal purposes, they can be charged under this section.
Who tries cases under BNS Section 181?
Cases under BNS Section 181 are triable by the Court of Session, which means they are handled by higher courts due to the serious nature of the crime.
If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
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