Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 238 → BNS 181: Import of Indian Counterfeit

IPC Section 238 (Import of Indian Counterfeit) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 181 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

238

Import of Indian Counterfeit

Import or export of counterfeits of the Indian coin

New Law — BNS 2023

181

Import of Indian Counterfeit

Punishment / Liability

Same - Life or up to 10 years

Key Change / Note

Merged into Section 181

Facing a case under BNS 181?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 181.

Quick Summary: IPC 238 vs BNS 181

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 238 (Import of Indian Counterfeit) is now mapped to BNS Section 181.

What did IPC 238 cover?

IPC 238 dealt with import of indian counterfeit — import or export of counterfeits of the indian coin. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 181: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 181. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to import of indian counterfeit are filed under BNS Section 181. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 181

Same - Life or up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 181 instead of IPC 238.
Police officers: Use BNS 181 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 238 ↔ BNS 181 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 238?

IPC Section 238 (Import of Indian Counterfeit) is now covered under Section 181 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 181?

Same - Life or up to 10 years

What is the key difference between IPC 238 and BNS 181?

Merged into Section 181

Is IPC 238 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.