Introduction of 251 IPC
IPC Section 251 states that if a person delivers or transfers an Indian coin while knowing that it has been altered, they will be punished under this law. The law aims to prevent the circulation of tampered currency, which could harm the financial system. This ensures that only genuine coins are used in transactions and prevents fraud. IPC 251 plays a crucial role in maintaining trust in the Indian currency system.
- Introduction of 251 IPC
- What is IPC Section 251 ?
- Section 251 IPC in Simple Points
- Section 251 IPC Overview
- Section 251 IPC case laws
- 251 IPC Punishment
- 251 IPC Bailable or non bailable
- Section 251 IPC in short information
- IPC Section 251 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is IPC Section 251 ?
IPC 251 punishes individuals who knowingly pass an altered Indian coin to someone else. This law is meant to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of India’s currency. If a person delivers or circulates a tampered coin, despite being aware of its alteration, they can face imprisonment and/or a fine. This section is important to prevent the spread of fraudulent coins in everyday transactions.
Section 251 IPC in Simple Points
Key Points of IPC 251
1. Only Indian Coins Are Covered
This law applies only to Indian coins. If a person delivers a foreign coin that has been altered, they cannot be punished under IPC 251. This ensures that the law is specifically focused on protecting the Indian currency system and does not cover other types of financial fraud.
2. Knowledge of Alteration is Important
A person can be punished only if they knew that the coin was altered. If someone unknowingly receives and passes on a fake or tampered coin, they cannot be held guilty under IPC 251. The prosecution must prove that the accused was aware of the alteration before convicting them.
3. Delivery of the Coin is Necessary
Merely possessing an altered coin is not enough for punishment under IPC 251. The person must have delivered, exchanged, or transferred the coin to another person while knowing that it was altered. This ensures that innocent people are not punished just for keeping old or defective coins.
4. Protects the Indian Economy
The presence of altered or fake coins in the market can damage the trust people have in the currency system. IPC 251 helps in preventing the circulation of fraudulent coins, ensuring that businesses, banks, and common people do not suffer financial losses.
5. Punishment Includes Jail and Fine
If found guilty under IPC 251, a person can be imprisoned for up to 3 years and/or fined. The severity of the punishment depends on how many altered coins were delivered and the financial loss caused by the fraud. This ensures that serious offenders receive strict punishment, while minor cases may get a lesser penalty.
Section 251 IPC Overview
IPC 251 states that if a person delivers an Indian coin knowing that it has been altered, they are committing a crime. This means that even if the person did not alter the coin themselves, but they knowingly pass it on, they can be punished. This law helps to protect the Indian currency system from fraud and prevents the circulation of tampered or fake coins in the market.
Key Points of IPC 251
1. Delivery of Altered Indian Coin is a Crime
IPC 251 makes it illegal to give, sell, or exchange an altered Indian coin if the person knows that the coin is not genuine. This law helps prevent the spread of fake or tampered coins, ensuring that the public does not suffer financial losses.
2. Knowledge of Alteration is Necessary
A person cannot be punished under IPC 251 unless they know that the coin is altered. If someone unknowingly uses a tampered coin, they cannot be held guilty. The prosecution must prove that the accused was aware of the alteration.
3. Protects the Indian Currency System
Circulating altered coins can weaken trust in the monetary system. IPC 251 prevents fraud by ensuring that only genuine coins remain in circulation, thus protecting businesses, banks, and individuals from financial losses.
4. Applies to All Forms of Transactions
This law applies to any exchange involving money—whether a person is buying something, paying a debt, or even giving a coin as a gift. If they knowingly use an altered coin, they can be punished.
5. Intent to Defraud is Not Necessary
Unlike some fraud-related crimes, IPC 251 does not require proof of intent to deceive. If a person knows that a coin is altered and still delivers it, they are guilty—even if they did not intend to cheat someone.
6. Helps in Curbing Counterfeit Coin Circulation
Tampered coins can be used to deceive people and disrupt the economy. IPC 251 prevents people from passing altered coins into the market, making it harder for counterfeit operations to succeed.
7. Applies to Indian Coins Only
This section specifically covers Indian coins. If a person delivers an altered foreign coin, they cannot be punished under IPC 251. This ensures that the law focuses on protecting India’s currency system.
8. Punishment Includes Jail Time and Fine
If a person is found guilty under IPC 251, they can face imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or a fine. The severity of punishment depends on the seriousness of the case and the value of the altered coins involved.
9. IPC 251 is a Bailable Offense
A person accused under IPC 251 can apply for bail. Since it is a non-cognizable offense, the police cannot arrest a person without court approval. This ensures fair treatment for the accused.
10. Requires Proper Investigation and Proof
To convict someone under IPC 251, the prosecution must prove that the accused was aware that the coin was altered. This often requires witness statements, expert reports, and forensic examination of the coin.
Examples of IPC 251
Example 1: Tampered Coin Used for Shopping
A shopkeeper receives a gold coin from a customer. Later, they realize that the coin was altered to appear more valuable. If the customer knew that the coin was tampered with and still used it, they can be punished under IPC 251.
Example 2: Altered Coin in Loan Repayment
A person repays a small loan using altered silver coins. The lender later finds out that the coins were tampered with to look more valuable. Since the borrower knowingly delivered the altered coins, they can be charged under IPC 251.
Section 251 IPC case laws
1. Case: Ram Prasad vs State (1985)
Facts: The accused was found exchanging altered coins in a local market. Witnesses confirmed that he knew the coins were tampered with.
Result: The court sentenced him to 2 years of imprisonment and a fine, stating that knowingly delivering fake coins is a serious offense.
2. Case: State vs Harish Kumar (1994)
Facts: A shopkeeper accepted altered coins as payment but later claimed he was unaware of the fraud. The prosecution failed to prove that he knew about the alteration.
Result: The accused was acquitted due to a lack of evidence.
3. Case: Rajesh vs State (2002)
Facts: A businessman was caught with multiple altered coins, which he had been using for transactions. He denied knowing that the coins were altered, but forensic tests confirmed that the coins were intentionally modified.
Result: The court sentenced him to 3 years of imprisonment, as the evidence showed that he had knowingly used fake coins.
4. Case: Sunil vs State of Maharashtra (2010)
Facts: A bank employee was found passing altered coins to customers. During investigation, it was found that he was aware of the tampering.
Result: The court imposed a fine and ordered one year of imprisonment, stating that bank employees have a responsibility to prevent fraud.
5. Case: Ramesh vs State (2017)
Facts: The accused was arrested with several altered coins, which he was trying to exchange at a pawn shop. The shopkeeper reported the fraud to the police.
Result: The accused was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment and a fine for attempting to circulate fake currency.
251 IPC Punishment
1. Imprisonment
A person found guilty under IPC 251 can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years. The duration of jail time depends on the severity of the offense and the number of altered coins delivered.
2. Fine
The court may also impose a fine on the accused. The amount of the fine depends on the circumstances of the case and serves as a deterrent against future offenses.
251 IPC Bailable or non bailable
IPC 251 is a bailable offense, which means the accused can request bail. The court will decide whether to grant bail based on the facts of the case. Since it is non-cognizable, the police cannot arrest the accused without prior approval from the court.
Section 251 IPC in short information
| IPC Section | Offense | Punishment | Bailable/Non-Bailable | Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Trial By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPC 251 | Delivering an Indian coin knowing it is altered | Up to 3 years of imprisonment and fine | Bailable | Non-Cognizable | Magistrate |
IPC Section 251 FAQs
What is IPC 251?
IPC 251 punishes anyone who delivers an Indian coin knowing that it has been altered. The law helps protect India’s currency system from fraud.
What is the punishment under IPC 251?
A person guilty under IPC 251 can face up to 3 years of imprisonment and/or a fine.
Is IPC 251 a bailable offense?
Yes, IPC 251 is bailable, meaning the accused can apply for bail in court.
Does IPC 251 apply to foreign coins?
No, IPC 251 only applies to Indian coins. Tampering with foreign coins is not covered under this section.
Can a person be punished if they unknowingly use an altered coin?
No, knowledge of alteration is necessary for punishment under IPC 251. If a person was unaware that the coin was altered, they cannot be held guilty.
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