Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 257 → BNS 180: Selling Instrument (Stamp)

IPC Section 257 (Selling Instrument (Stamp)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 180 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

257

Selling Instrument (Stamp)

Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting Government stamp

New Law — BNS 2023

180

Selling Instrument (Stamp)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 7 years

Key Change / Note

Merged into Section 180

Facing a case under BNS 180?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 180.

Quick Summary: IPC 257 vs BNS 180

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 257 (Selling Instrument (Stamp)) is now mapped to BNS Section 180.

What did IPC 257 cover?

IPC 257 dealt with selling instrument (stamp) — making or selling instrument for counterfeiting government stamp. 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 180: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 180. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to selling instrument (stamp) are filed under BNS Section 180. 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 180

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 180 instead of IPC 257.
Police officers: Use BNS 180 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 257 ↔ BNS 180 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 257?

IPC Section 257 (Selling Instrument (Stamp)) is now covered under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 180?

Same - Up to 7 years

What is the key difference between IPC 257 and BNS 180?

Merged into Section 180

Is IPC 257 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.