Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 489D → BNS 180: Instrument Currency

IPC Section 489D (Instrument Currency) 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

489D

Instrument Currency

Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency-notes or bank-notes

New Law — BNS 2023

180

Instrument Currency

Punishment / Liability

Same - Life or up to 10 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 489D 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 489D (Instrument Currency) is now mapped to BNS Section 180.

What did IPC 489D cover?

IPC 489D dealt with instrument currency — making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency-notes or bank-notes. 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 instrument currency 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 - Life or up to 10 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 489D.
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 489D ↔ BNS 180 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 489D?

IPC Section 489D (Instrument Currency) 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 - Life or up to 10 years

What is the key difference between IPC 489D and BNS 180?

Merged into Section 180

Is IPC 489D 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.