Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 242 → BNS 182: Possession of Counterfeit

IPC Section 242 (Possession of Counterfeit) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 182 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

242

Possession of Counterfeit

Possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof

New Law — BNS 2023

182

Possession of Counterfeit

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 3 years

Key Change / Note

Merged into Section 182

Facing a case under BNS 182?

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Quick Summary: IPC 242 vs BNS 182

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 242 (Possession of Counterfeit) is now mapped to BNS Section 182.

What did IPC 242 cover?

IPC 242 dealt with possession of counterfeit — possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof. 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 182: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 182. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to possession of counterfeit are filed under BNS Section 182. 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 182

Same - Up to 3 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 182 instead of IPC 242.
Police officers: Use BNS 182 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 242 ↔ BNS 182 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 242?

IPC Section 242 (Possession of Counterfeit) is now covered under Section 182 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 182?

Same - Up to 3 years

What is the key difference between IPC 242 and BNS 182?

Merged into Section 182

Is IPC 242 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.