Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 252 → BNS 185: Possession of Altered Coin

IPC Section 252 (Possession of Altered Coin) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 185 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

252

Possession of Altered Coin

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

New Law — BNS 2023

185

Possession of Altered Coin

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 3 years

Key Change / Note

Merged into Section 185

Facing a case under BNS 185?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 185.

Quick Summary: IPC 252 vs BNS 185

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 252 (Possession of Altered Coin) is now mapped to BNS Section 185.

What did IPC 252 cover?

IPC 252 dealt with possession of altered coin — possession of coin by person who knew it to be altered 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 185: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 185. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to possession of altered coin are filed under BNS Section 185. 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 185

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 185 instead of IPC 252.
Police officers: Use BNS 185 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 252 ↔ BNS 185 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 252?

IPC Section 252 (Possession of Altered Coin) is now covered under Section 185 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 185?

Same - Up to 3 years

What is the key difference between IPC 252 and BNS 185?

Merged into Section 185

Is IPC 252 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.