Introduction of Section BNS 187
Coins form a vital part of India’s monetary system, and their authenticity is crucial for maintaining trust in the economy. To ensure this integrity, Section 187 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, makes it a punishable offense for any mint employee to intentionally alter the weight or composition of coins. This provision safeguards against fraud at the very source of currency production—the mint itself. By imposing strict penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine, the law reinforces the importance of accuracy, reliability, and accountability in coin manufacturing.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 187 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 244.
- Introduction of Section BNS 187
- What is BNS Section 187 ?
- BNS 187 in Simple Points
- Section 187 BNS Overview
- BNS 187 Punishment
- BNS 187 bailable or not ?
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 187
- BNS Section 187 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 187 ?
BNS Section 187 applies to people who work in a mint (a place where coins are made). If a mint worker intentionally makes coins that are of a different weight or are made of different materials than what is required by law, they can be punished. The law ensures that coins are made correctly, and any worker who breaks this rule can face imprisonment for up to 7 years, along with a fine.
Under Section 187 of the bns act 2023
Whoever, being employed in a mint lawfully established in India, intentionally causes 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 which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
1. Meaning of “Causing Coin to be of Different Weight or Composition”
- Coins made in government mints must strictly follow legal standards of weight and metal composition (example: ₹5 coin of specific grams and alloy).
- If a mint worker intentionally changes the weight (lighter/heavier) or metal (using cheaper/different material), it is fraud against the nation.
- Even if the change is small, it destroys trust in the currency and harms the economy.
2. Who is Covered?
This section applies only to employees of lawfully established mints in India, such as:
- Mint workers handling coin production.
- Supervisors who control quality and composition.
- Any staff responsible for ensuring coins meet legal standards.
If they intentionally alter weight or material, they are guilty.
3. Nature of the Offense
- Cognizable → Police can arrest without a warrant.
- Non-bailable → The accused cannot get bail as a matter of right; only a court can decide.
- Non-compoundable → Cannot be settled privately; the trial must proceed in court.
- Triable by Magistrate of First Class → Heard by a senior magistrate due to its seriousness.
4. Examples of BNS Section 187
Example 1 – Making Lighter Coins
A mint worker deliberately skips the final metal filling step, causing coins to weigh less than the legal standard. Even though they look normal, the coins are underweight. This is punishable under BNS 187.
Example 2 – Wrong Metal Composition
An employee substitutes copper-nickel with a cheaper metal to save money or cause loss. Since the coins do not meet the lawful composition, the worker is guilty.
Example 3 (Not Guilty Case)
If a mint worker accidentally damages a batch of coins during the process, but without any fraudulent intent, they are not guilty under this section. Intentional misconduct is required.
5. Punishment under BNS Section 187
- Imprisonment → Up to 7 years.
- Fine → Amount decided by the court.
- Both → In serious cases, both imprisonment and fine may be imposed.
6. Importance of BNS Section 187
- Protects Currency Integrity → Ensures all coins meet fixed legal standards.
- Prevents Fraud → Stops mint employees from cheating the system by altering weight or materials.
- Secures Economy → Currency uniformity is essential for trade, trust, and stability.
- Strict Accountability → Even employees of government mints are punished if they misuse their position.
Section 187 BNS Overview
This section deals with the offense of a person employed in any mint, established lawfully in India, who intentionally causes a coin issued from the mint to have a weight or composition different from what is fixed by law. It includes both actions and omissions of duties that lead to such a result. The punishment for this offense includes imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine.
10 Key Points of BNS Section 187
- Applicability to Mint Employees:
- This section applies to individuals employed in a mint that is lawfully established in India. Mint employees are responsible for ensuring coins are made according to legal standards.
- Intentional Acts or Omissions:
- The crime involves either intentionally performing an act or omitting a legally required action that results in a coin having different weight or composition than what the law mandates. Both doing something wrong and failing to do what is required are covered.
- Deviation from Legal Standards:
- The offense occurs when the coin issued from the mint differs in weight or composition from the legal standards. These standards are fixed by law to ensure uniformity and authenticity in the currency.
- Coins Issued from Mint:
- The crime is specific to coins that are officially issued by the mint. Any tampering or deviation from the legal specifications of these coins is considered an offense under this section.
- Punishment: Imprisonment:
- The person found guilty of this offense can face imprisonment for a term of up to seven years. This shows the seriousness of the crime, as it affects the country’s currency system.
- Punishment: Fine:
- In addition to imprisonment, the guilty person is also liable to pay a fine. The amount of the fine is not specified but will be determined by the court based on the severity of the offense.
- Cognizable Offense:
- This means that the police have the authority to arrest the accused without a warrant and begin an investigation without needing permission from the court.
- Non-Bailable Offense:
- Since this is a non-bailable offense, the accused cannot automatically get bail and will need to apply for it in court. Granting bail is up to the court’s discretion based on the circumstances.
- Triable by a Magistrate of First Class:
- The trial for this offense will be conducted by a magistrate of the first class. This refers to a senior-level judicial officer who handles serious criminal cases.
- Non-Compoundable Offense:
This offense is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled between the parties outside of court. The state prosecutes the case, and the accused cannot avoid punishment by paying compensation or reaching an agreement with the victim.
BNS Section 187: Examples for a Simple Indian Audience
- Example 1: A worker in a mint is responsible for producing coins of a specific weight and metal composition, as per the law. However, this worker intentionally skips a step in the process, causing some of the coins to be lighter than they should be. These coins are released to the public, even though they don’t meet the legal standards. This action can lead to the worker being punished under Section 187.
- Example 2: Another employee in a government mint is supposed to use a particular metal to create coins. Instead, they secretly use a cheaper, different metal, intending to save money or cause harm. This results in coins that don’t meet the required legal composition. Under Section 187, this act of using the wrong material is a punishable offense.
BNS 187 Punishment
Imprisonment:
The guilty party can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to seven years.
Fine:
In addition to imprisonment, the court may impose a fine, the amount of which is decided by the judge.
BNS 187 bailable or not ?
Section 187 is a non-bailable offense. This means the accused cannot be granted bail automatically; they must apply to the court, which will decide based on the facts of the case.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 187
| Aspect | BNS Section 187 | IPC Section 244 |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | Mint employee intentionally causing coins to differ in weight or composition from legal standards. | Mint employee fraudulently causing coins to be of different weight or composition from legal standards. |
| Who is Covered? | Any person employed in a lawfully established mint in India. | Any person employed in a mint under IPC-era laws. |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. | Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. |
| Cognizability | Cognizable (police can arrest without warrant). | Cognizable. |
| Bailability | Non-bailable. | Non-bailable. |
| Compoundability | Non-compoundable. | Non-compoundable. |
| Trial Court | Magistrate of the First Class. | Magistrate of the First Class. |
| Key Difference | BNS 187 modernizes the provision but retains the same punishment, ensuring stricter accountability in mint operations today. | IPC 244 was the older law covering the same offense, now replaced by BNS 187. |
BNS Section 187 FAQs
What is the main focus of BNS Section 187?
The section focuses on punishing mint employees who intentionally alter the weight or composition of coins.
What kind of alterations does Section 187 cover?
It covers changes in both the weight and the material composition of coins issued from a mint.
How long can someone be imprisoned under Section 187?
A person can be imprisoned for up to seven years for violating this law.
Is BNS Section 187 a bailable offense?
No, it is a non-bailable offense, meaning the accused must seek bail from the court.
Who can be tried under this BNS section 187?
Employees of mints that are lawfully established in India can be tried under this section.
Who tries cases under Section 187?
Cases are handled by a magistrate of the first class, a senior judicial officer who deals with serious offenses.
Conclusion
BNS Section 187 is a crucial safeguard for India’s monetary system. By holding mint employees accountable for any intentional alteration in coin weight or composition, the law ensures that every coin issued is trustworthy and legally valid. The section modernizes and continues the principle from IPC 244, reinforcing transparency and discipline in currency production. With penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment and fine, it serves as a strong deterrent against fraud within mints and preserves the integrity of the nation’s economy.
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