Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 249 → BNS 184: Altering Appearance (Indian)

IPC Section 249 (Altering Appearance (Indian)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 184 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

249

Altering Appearance (Indian)

Altering appearance of Indian coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description

New Law — BNS 2023

184

Altering Appearance (Indian)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 7 years

Key Change / Note

Merged into Section 184

Facing a case under BNS 184?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 184.

Quick Summary: IPC 249 vs BNS 184

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 249 (Altering Appearance (Indian)) is now mapped to BNS Section 184.

What did IPC 249 cover?

IPC 249 dealt with altering appearance (indian) — altering appearance of indian coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description. 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 184: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 184. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to altering appearance (indian) are filed under BNS Section 184. 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 184

Same - Up to 7 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 184 instead of IPC 249.
Police officers: Use BNS 184 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 249 ↔ BNS 184 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 249?

IPC Section 249 (Altering Appearance (Indian)) is now covered under Section 184 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 184?

Same - Up to 7 years

What is the key difference between IPC 249 and BNS 184?

Merged into Section 184

Is IPC 249 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.