IPC Section 253 deals with the offence of possessing an altered Indian coin with knowledge that the coin was changed illegally. A person can be punished if they knowingly keep such a coin for dishonest or fraudulent use. The punishment under this section may extend to 5 years imprisonment along with a fine.
Detailed Explanation
IPC Section 253 was a part of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. This section focused on offences related to altered Indian coins and fraudulent possession of such coins.
The purpose of this law was to protect the Indian currency system and prevent cheating in financial transactions.
Under IPC Section 253, a person committed an offence when:
- They possessed an Indian coin that had been altered unlawfully.
- They already knew about the illegal alteration at the time of receiving the coin.
- They kept the coin with dishonest or fraudulent intention.
An altered coin is different from a fake or counterfeit coin. In this case, the original coin may be genuine, but its appearance, weight, or structure is changed illegally to deceive others.
What is an Altered Coin?
An altered coin may include:
- A coin whose metal content has been changed
- A coin whose size or shape has been modified
- A lower-value coin altered to resemble a higher denomination
- A coin whose weight has been reduced dishonestly
Such acts can affect public trust in Indian currency and may lead to financial fraud.
Example of IPC Section 253
Suppose a person receives an Indian coin that has been altered to look like a coin of higher value. If the person knows about the alteration and still keeps or uses the coin for cheating or unlawful gain, IPC Section 253 may apply.
Essential Elements of IPC Section 253
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Offence | Possession of altered Indian coin |
| Knowledge | Person must know the coin was altered illegally |
| Intention | Fraudulent or dishonest intention |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 5 years and fine |
| Nature of offence | Cognizable and non-bailable |
Difference Between Counterfeit and Altered Coin
People often confuse counterfeit coins with altered coins, but both are different under criminal law.
| Type | Meaning |
| Counterfeit coin | A completely fake coin made to look genuine |
| Altered coin | A genuine coin changed illegally to deceive others |
IPC Section 253 specifically dealt with altered Indian coins.
Key Points / Important Facts
- IPC Section 253 was related to possession of altered Indian coins.
- The offence required prior knowledge about the illegal alteration.
- Fraudulent intention played an important role in proving the offence.
- Mere accidental possession was not enough for punishment.
- The offence was cognizable under criminal law.
- It was treated as a non-bailable offence.
- Punishment could extend up to 5 years imprisonment.
- A fine could also be imposed by the court.
- The section aimed to prevent fraud involving Indian currency.
Legal Provision or Section
Relevant Law
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Section 253
What IPC Section 253 Provided
IPC Section 253 punished any person who possessed an altered Indian coin knowing that it had been altered unlawfully and intended to use it dishonestly or fraudulently.
The section worked along with other provisions related to coin alteration and counterfeit currency offences under the IPC.
Current Legal Status
The Indian Penal Code, 1860 has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) with effect from 1 July 2024.
Many IPC provisions relating to currency offences have now been reorganised under the new criminal law structure. Readers should refer to the corresponding provisions under BNS for the latest legal framework in India.
Punishment Under IPC Section 253
| Punishment Type | Details |
| Imprisonment | Up to 5 years |
| Fine | May be imposed |
| Bail | Non-bailable |
| Cognizable | Yes |
Conclusion
IPC Section 253 dealt with the possession of altered Indian coins when the person already knew that the coin had been changed illegally. The law was introduced to protect the integrity of Indian currency and prevent cheating through altered coins. Although the IPC has now been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, understanding IPC Section 253 remains important for legal education and knowledge of historical criminal law provisions in India.
Sources & References
- India Code: https://www.indiacode.nic.in
- Legislative Department, Government of India: https://legislative.gov.in
- Ministry of Home Affairs: https://www.mha.gov.in
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Prabh Kalsi provides global legal information and educational content to help readers understand legal concepts, rights, and processes across different countries. With experience in researching legal topics and simplifying complex legal information, he creates easy-to-understand content based on publicly available and trusted sources. This content is intended for informational purposes only.