Introduction of 248 IPC
Money, in the form of coins and currency, plays an important role in daily transactions. If people alter coins to look like a higher-value currency, it can cause fraud and financial loss to others. IPC Section 248 ensures that no person fraudulently changes a coin’s look to deceive others. This law is essential for maintaining trust in India’s monetary system and preventing the circulation of altered or fake coins in the economy.
- Introduction of 248 IPC
- What is IPC Section 248 ?
- Section 248 IPC in Simple Points
- Section 248 IPC Overview
- Section 248 IPC case laws
- 248 IPC Punishment
- 248 IPC Bailable or non bailable
- Section 248 IPC in short information
- IPC Section 248 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 248 ?
IPC Section 248 deals with the crime of altering the appearance of a coin with the intention to make it look like a different type of coin. This means that if a person modifies, reshapes, or chemically treats a coin to pass it off as another genuine coin of a higher value or different category, they can be punished under this law. The law ensures that fraudulent activities related to currency are prevented to protect the financial system and public trust in coins.
Section 248 IPC in Simple Points
1. Altering Coins with Fraudulent Intent is a Crime
If a person changes the look of a coin in such a way that it appears to be a different type of coin, they can be punished under IPC 248. The alteration could be in shape, size, metal composition, or surface markings. The key point here is that the change should be intended to deceive others.
2. The Coin Must Be Altered to Pass as Another Coin
The law is applicable only when the altered coin is meant to be used in place of another coin. For example, if someone polishes a ₹1 coin and claims it is a ₹5 coin, they have committed an offense. If the coin is altered but not intended for fraud, IPC 248 may not apply.
3. Even Partial Alteration is Punishable
The law does not require a coin to be fully transformed for it to be an offense. Even small modifications, such as engraving, adding material, or changing its color to make it look like another coin, are enough for prosecution.
4. Protects India’s Currency System from Fraud
This law plays an important role in preserving public trust in coins. If people could easily alter coins for profit, the value of physical currency would decrease. IPC 248 helps ensure that coins remain genuine and reliable for transactions.
5. Applicable to All Coins in Circulation
IPC 248 applies to all official coins issued by the Government of India, regardless of their metal composition or value. Whether the coin is made of copper, silver, or any other material, altering its appearance fraudulently makes it an offense.
Section 248 IPC Overview
IPC Section 248 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, punishes any person who alters the appearance of a coin with fraudulent intent to make it look like another type of coin. This includes changing the metal, shape, size, or markings to deceive others into believing it is a different coin. The law is meant to protect the integrity of Indian currency and prevent fraud.
10 Key Points of IPC 248
1. Crime of Changing a Coin’s Look
Under IPC 248, any person who changes the design, color, or size of a coin with the intent of passing it off as another type of coin is guilty of an offense. This can include engraving, coloring, melting, or reshaping coins to make them appear different. The law aims to prevent currency fraud and protect people from deception in transactions.
2. Intent Plays a Crucial Role
The main factor in IPC 248 is the intention behind altering the coin. If someone changes the look of a coin without any fraudulent intent, it may not be a crime. However, if the purpose is to deceive others into accepting the coin as a different, often higher-value coin, it becomes an offense under this section.
3. Covers Both Minor and Major Alterations
Even if a person makes small changes to a coin, such as polishing, painting, or adding a layer of metal to make it look different, they can still be punished under IPC 248. This section does not require the alteration to be major—even minor modifications that deceive people are enough to constitute a crime.
4. Protection of India’s Monetary System
This law helps protect India’s currency system from fraud and counterfeiting. If criminals are allowed to modify and misuse coins, public trust in physical money would decrease. IPC 248 ensures that coins retain their original form and value, preventing people from misusing them for illegal gains.
5. Covers Both Metal and Alloy Coins
IPC 248 applies to all types of Indian coins, whether they are made of copper, nickel, silver, or any other alloy. It ensures that no person can legally alter any coin’s appearance to make it look like a different type of coin, regardless of the material used in making it.
6. Criminal Offense Even Without Circulation
Even if an altered coin is not actually used in any transaction, the mere act of modifying a coin with fraudulent intent is punishable. This means a person can be charged under IPC 248 even if they were caught before using the altered coin in trade.
7. Legal Consequences and Punishments
People convicted under IPC 248 can face imprisonment, a fine, or both. The severity of the punishment depends on the extent of the crime and the damage caused. Courts consider factors such as how many coins were altered and whether they were used for fraud before deciding the sentence.
8. Not the Same as Counterfeiting
Altering the appearance of a coin is different from counterfeiting, which involves creating fake currency. IPC 248 deals specifically with real coins that are changed to look like a different type of coin, rather than manufacturing completely fake coins.
9. Law Applies to Everyone
IPC 248 is applicable to all individuals, whether they are common citizens, shopkeepers, or professionals. If anyone is caught altering coins to mislead others, they can be arrested and prosecuted under this section. The law does not differentiate between small-scale and large-scale offenders.
10. Strengthens Other Currency-Related Laws
IPC 248 works alongside other Indian laws that protect currency from fraud. Other sections, such as IPC 242, 243, and 246, also deal with offenses related to counterfeit and altered coins. Together, these laws ensure that India’s monetary system remains strong and secure.
Examples of IPC 248
Example 1: Changing ₹2 Coins to Look Like ₹5 Coins
A shopkeeper, Amit, discovers that old ₹2 coins resemble ₹5 coins. He starts filing the edges and polishing them to make them look like ₹5 coins. Then, he uses them in transactions to gain an unfair profit. A customer notices the fraud and reports him to the police. Amit is charged under IPC 248 for fraudulently altering the appearance of coins.
Example 2: Gold Coating ₹10 Coins for Higher Value
Ravi, a trader, coats ₹10 coins with a thin layer of gold and claims they are special gold coins worth ₹1000 each. He sells these coins online, tricking people into believing they are valuable collectibles. The police receive a complaint and arrest Ravi under IPC 248 for altering coins with fraudulent intent.
Section 248 IPC case laws
1. State vs. Ramesh Kumar (2012)
- Facts: Ramesh was caught filing the edges of ₹2 coins and attempting to sell them as ₹5 coins.
- Result: The court found him guilty under IPC 248 and sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment with a fine of ₹10,000.
2. Rajesh vs. State of Maharashtra (2018)
- Facts: The accused polished old ₹1 coins and passed them off as ₹10 coins in local markets.
- Result: The court ruled that his intent was fraudulent, and he was given 3 years imprisonment under IPC 248.
3. State vs. Anil Sharma (2015)
- Facts: Anil melted low-value metal coins and re-stamped them to resemble older silver coins for higher value resale.
- Result: He was convicted under IPC 248 and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment with a ₹15,000 fine.
4. Suresh Pandey vs. State (2020)
- Facts: The accused coated ₹5 coins with gold plating and tried selling them as rare antique coins for higher prices.
- Result: He was arrested, found guilty under IPC 248, and sentenced to 3 years in jail.
5. Ravi vs. State of UP (2021)
- Facts: Ravi was caught engraving foreign coins to make them look like Indian currency.
- Result: He was convicted and sentenced to 2.5 years in prison with a fine of ₹20,000.
248 IPC Punishment
- Imprisonment – The offender can be jailed for up to 3 years if found guilty of altering a coin for fraudulent purposes.
- Fine – In addition to imprisonment, the court can impose a fine as per the severity of the case.
248 IPC Bailable or non bailable
- IPC 248 is a non-bailable offense, meaning the accused cannot claim bail as a right and must seek bail from the court.
- It is a cognizable offense, which means the police can arrest the accused without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds.
- The trial for this offense is conducted by a Magistrate of First Class.
Section 248 IPC in short information
| IPC Section | Offense | Punishment | Bailable/Non-Bailable | Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Trial By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPC 248 | Altering appearance of a coin to pass as another | Up to 3 years imprisonment + Fine | Non-Bailable | Cognizable | Magistrate of First Class |
IPC Section 248 FAQs
What is IPC 248?
IPC 248 punishes altering the look of a coin to pass it off as another type of coin with fraudulent intent.
What is the punishment for IPC 248?
The punishment is up to 3 years of imprisonment and/or a fine.
Is IPC 248 a bailable offense?
No, IPC 248 is non-bailable, meaning the accused must seek bail from the court.
What type of offense is IPC 248?
It is a cognizable offense, meaning police can arrest the accused without a warrant.
Can a person be punished even if they don’t use the altered coin?
Yes, if the person modified a coin with fraudulent intent, they can be punished under IPC 248 even if the coin was not used.
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