Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 248
Section Title:
Altering Appearance of Indian Coin to Pass as Coin of Higher Value
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Active under IPC framework; corresponding principles continue under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 relating to currency fraud and alteration offences.
Applicability:
IPC Section 248 applies when:
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A person alters the appearance of an Indian coin;
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The alteration is done to make it appear as a coin of higher value;
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The act is intentional and fraudulent;
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The purpose is to deceive others for wrongful gain.
This section targets deceptive modification of genuine currency.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 248 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi vyakti asli Indian coin ko modify karke use zyada value wala coin banane ki koshish karta hai, to woh crime karta hai.
Simple words mein:
"Asli coin ko badal kar uski value zyada dikhana crime hai."
Yeh section fraud aur cheating ko prevent karta hai.
Legal Definition (Original Law Text)
The essence of IPC Section 248 is:
Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly alters the appearance of an Indian coin so as to make it resemble a coin of higher value commits an offence.
Practical Interpretation
To establish liability under Section 248, prosecution must generally prove:
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The coin was an Indian coin.
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The accused altered its appearance.
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The alteration made it resemble a higher value coin.
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The act was done fraudulently or dishonestly.
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There was intent to deceive or gain.
Mere accidental damage or wear does not attract this section.
Why IPC Section 248 Was Introduced?
Currency manipulation can:
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Mislead common people;
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Cause financial loss;
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Disturb market trust;
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Enable fraudulent trade practices.
Therefore, law strictly prohibits any alteration that changes perceived value.
Importance of Currency Integrity
Indian coins must:
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Maintain fixed design;
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Maintain fixed denomination appearance;
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Be easily identifiable.
Any alteration creates confusion and fraud risk.
Difference Between Section 247 and 248
IPC Section 247
Deals with counterfeiting mint marks or symbols.
IPC Section 248
Deals with altering genuine coins to make them appear of higher value.
Thus:
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Section 247 = Fake authentication marks.
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Section 248 = Altering real coins for higher value deception.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 248 provides:
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Imprisonment up to 7 years; AND
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Fine.
The punishment reflects seriousness of currency manipulation.
Bailable / Non-Bailable
Generally Non-Bailable
Cognizable / Non-Cognizable
Cognizable
Compoundable
Non-Compoundable
Triable By
Magistrate of First Class
IPC ↔ BNS Mapping
IPC Section
IPC Section 248
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes provisions related to:
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Currency alteration;
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Economic fraud;
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Monetary deception offences.
Status
IPC repealed and replaced by BNS, but principle remains intact.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Coin Polishing Scam
A person alters a low-value coin to make it look like a higher denomination coin.
Section 248 applies.
Example 2: Color Modification
A coin is chemically treated to resemble a more valuable coin.
This attracts liability.
Example 3: Fraud in Market Exchange
An accused modifies coins and uses them in transactions to cheat vendors.
Section 248 becomes applicable.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
Mobarik Ali Ahmed v. State of Bombay
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Fraudulent intention is essential in economic deception offences.
Case Name:
State of Maharashtra v. Mayer Hans George
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Economic offences affecting public trust require strict enforcement.
Case Name:
R.K. Dalmia v. Delhi Administration
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Misuse of financial instruments and currency systems is a serious offence.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 248 becomes relevant when:
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Coins are physically altered;
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Appearance is modified for deception;
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Fraudulent intent is proven;
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Currency circulation is manipulated.
Common Misuse Scenarios
Wear and Tear
Natural damage to coins is not an offence.
Accidental Scratching
Unintentional changes do not attract liability.
Lack of Intent
No fraudulent purpose exists.
Misinterpretation of Coin Condition
A damaged coin may be wrongly assumed altered.
Defenses Available
No Fraudulent Intent
The alteration was accidental.
No Alteration for Value
No attempt was made to increase perceived value.
Natural Damage
Changes occurred due to normal usage.
False Allegation
Accused wrongly implicated.