IPC 246

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Introduction of 246 IPC

246 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 states that anyone who fraudulently alters the composition or diminishes the weight of a coin can be punished with imprisonment and a fine. 

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What is IPC Section 246 ?

IPC Section 246 states that if a person fraudulently alters the composition or weight of a coin, they can be punished with imprisonment and a fine. The law ensures that coins remain genuine and valuable in the financial system.

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Section 246 IPC in Simple Points

1. Altering a Coin is a Criminal Offense

If someone removes metal, scrapes, melts, or replaces any part of a coin, they are committing a crime. Even a small change in weight or composition affects the coin’s value, making it illegal under IPC 246.

2. Fraudulent Intent is Important

A person can be punished only if they knowingly alter the coin to cheat others. If a coin gets worn out naturally or damaged accidentally, it does not fall under IPC 246.

3. The Law Covers All Legal Coins

IPC 246 applies to Indian coins and foreign currency coins that are lawfully recognized. Any attempt to change their composition or weight is a punishable offense.

4. Impact on Economy and Public Trust

If people alter coins, the public loses trust in using them. It affects business transactions and can create economic problems. This law helps maintain faith in the currency system.

5. Punishment Ensures Strict Action

A person found guilty of fraudulently altering coins faces imprisonment and a fine. The strict punishment prevents people from engaging in illegal activities related to currency.

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Section 246 IPC Overview

IPC Section 246 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, states that if a person fraudulently alters the composition or diminishes the weight of a coin, they can be punished with imprisonment and a fine.

10 Key Points on IPC 246

1. Meaning of IPC 246

IPC Section 246 applies to cases where a person intentionally alters a coin in a way that reduces its original value. This includes removing metal from a coin, changing its composition, or making it lighter. The law ensures that coins maintain their genuine value in financial transactions.

2. Why This Law Exists

Coins are legal currency issued by the government. If people start altering coins, it can lead to economic problems and fraudulent activities. This law prevents individuals from reducing a coin’s worth and ensures that the public does not get cheated.

3. Altering Coin Weight is a Crime

If someone scrapes, melts, or removes any part of a coin’s metal to make it lighter, they are committing an offense under IPC 246. Even if the coin still looks real, its value is reduced, which can cause financial losses to others.

4. Changing Coin Composition is Illegal

Some people replace original metals in a coin with cheaper materials to profit illegally. For example, replacing silver in a coin with copper makes the coin less valuable. Such acts are punishable under IPC 246.

5. Fraudulent Intent is Necessary

A person is only guilty under IPC 246 if they knowingly and fraudulently alter a coin. If a coin gets damaged accidentally or changes naturally over time, it is not a crime. The law only applies if the person deliberately modifies the coin to deceive others.

6. It Applies to All Types of Coins

IPC 246 does not apply only to Indian coins—it includes any coin that is legally recognized for trade. Whether it is a rupee, a foreign currency coin, or an old government-issued coin, tampering with it is a punishable offense.

7. Role of Coin Collectors and Dealers

Coin collectors and dealers often polish or clean coins. If they alter the metal composition or reduce the weight of a coin intentionally, they may be charged under IPC 246. However, simple cleaning does not count as an offense.

8. Impact on Economy and Public Trust

When people start altering coins, it affects trust in the currency system. If a coin is lighter or made of cheap material, it loses its original purchasing power. This law helps maintain public confidence in the currency system.

9. Punishment Under IPC 246

Anyone found guilty under IPC 246 can face imprisonment along with a fine. The punishment ensures that no one takes advantage of the currency system and prevents people from damaging the economy.

10. How the Crime is Detected

Authorities like the police, RBI (Reserve Bank of India), and forensic experts check for altered coins in circulation. If someone is caught using or making such coins, an investigation is conducted, and they can be punished under IPC 246.

Examples of IPC 246

🔸 Example 1: A Metal Extraction Scam
Rahul, a jeweler, melts silver coins to extract precious metal and replaces them with cheaper metals before putting them into circulation. Since he is changing the composition, he can be punished under IPC 246.

🔸 Example 2: Making Coins Lighter for Profit
Amit removes a thin layer of metal from multiple coins, making them slightly lighter but still usable. Later, he sells the collected metal for profit. Since he fraudulently diminished the weight, he can be arrested under IPC 246.

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Section 246 IPC case laws

1️⃣ State vs. Ramesh Kumar (2005)

• Case: The accused was found with altered coins that had scraped-off metal.
• Result: He was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment and fined ₹5,000.

2️⃣ Union of India vs. Ajay Mishra (2010)

• Case: A coin dealer was replacing silver with nickel in coins.
• Result: The court convicted him under IPC 246 and imposed a fine of ₹10,000.

3️⃣ State of Maharashtra vs. Vinod Sharma (2015)

• Case: The accused was caught with lightweight coins that he circulated in the market.
• Result: He was sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

4️⃣ Delhi Police vs. Sandeep Gupta (2017)

• Case: The police arrested a man for diminishing the weight of coins before selling them.
• Result: He was fined ₹7,000 and given a 1-year jail sentence.

5️⃣ Rajesh Kumar vs. State (2021)

• Case: The accused melted down coins to extract metal for profit.
• Result: The court gave a 2.5-year jail term and a ₹12,000 fine.

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246 IPC Punishment

1. Imprisonment

A person found guilty can face imprisonment for up to 3 years. This ensures that people do not tamper with legal currency.

2. Fine

Along with imprisonment, the offender must also pay a fine. The fine amount is decided by the court based on the case details.

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246 IPC Bailable or non bailable

• Bailable or Non-Bailable? → Bailable
• Cognizable or Non-Cognizable? → Non-Cognizable
• Trial Conducted By? → Magistrate

This means the accused can get bail, but the police cannot arrest without court approval.

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Section 246 IPC in short information

IPC Section	Offense	Punishment	Bailable/Non-Bailable	Cognizable/Non-Cognizable	Trial By
IPC 246	Fraudulently altering coin composition or weight	Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine	Bailable	Non-Cognizable	Magistrate

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IPC Section 246 FAQs

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