Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 254 → BNS 185: Delivery (Unknown Altered)

IPC Section 254 (Delivery (Unknown Altered)) 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

254

Delivery (Unknown Altered)

Delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered

New Law — BNS 2023

185

Delivery (Unknown Altered)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 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 254 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 254 (Delivery (Unknown Altered)) is now mapped to BNS Section 185.

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 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 delivery (unknown altered) 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 2 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 254.
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 254 ↔ BNS 185 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 254?

IPC Section 254 (Delivery (Unknown Altered)) 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 2 years

What is the key difference between IPC 254 and BNS 185?

Merged into Section 185

Is IPC 254 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.