Introduction of Section BNS 187
BNS 187 deals with offenses committed by employees of legally established mints in India. This section applies when such employees intentionally alter the weight or composition of coins issued from the mint, in violation of the legal standards. It seeks to punish any person who intentionally causes coins to differ from the lawfully established specifications, ensuring the integrity of currency production.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 186 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.

BNS 187 in Simple Points
- Mint Employee Responsibility:
Mint employees are responsible for ensuring that coins issued are of the correct weight and composition as per the law. - Intentional Deviation:
If a mint employee deliberately alters the coin’s weight or composition, they will face legal consequences. - Punishment for Violations:
Violating this law can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine. - Offense Type:
The offense is considered serious (cognizable and non-bailable), meaning police can arrest without a warrant. - Omissions and Actions:
Both the failure to perform duties and intentional acts that cause coins to differ from legal specifications are punishable.
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
Section | Details |
---|---|
Offense | Altering the weight or composition of coins issued by a mint |
Who | Employees working in a legally established mint in India |
Nature | Cognizable and non-bailable offense |
Trial | Triable by a Magistrate of the First Class |
Punishment | Imprisonment for up to 7 years and fine |
Bailability | Non-bailable |
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.
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