IPC 254 → BNS 179: Delivery (Unknown Altered)

Quick Summary: IPC 254 vs BNS 179

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 254 (Delivery (Unknown Altered)) is one of the IPC's offences relating to coin, stamps, weights and measures. Counterfeiting of coin and government stamps and the use of false weights and measures are preserved in the BNS, so delivery (unknown altered) continues as BNS 179, frequently overlapping with special economic-offence statutes.

What did IPC 254 cover?

IPC 254 dealt with delivery (unknown altered) — delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 179: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 185. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to delivery (unknown altered) are filed under BNS Section 179, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 179

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: Confirm whether the delivery (unknown altered) matter proceeds under BNS 179 or a special law on currency and stamps before advising on bail and forum.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the counterfeit or false instrument; the delivery (unknown altered) offence is registered under BNS 179.
• Law students & citizens: Knowingly dealing in counterfeit currency or rigged weights — the conduct behind delivery (unknown altered) — is an offence even if you were not the maker.