Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 249
Section Title:
Altering Weight or Composition of Indian Coin by Unauthorized Person
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Active under IPC framework; corresponding principles continue under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 relating to currency integrity and economic offences.
Applicability:
IPC Section 249 applies when:
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A person who is NOT authorized by law alters an Indian coin;
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The alteration relates to weight, metal composition, or physical structure;
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The act is intentional and unauthorized;
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The purpose may be fraudulent or deceptive.
This section is stricter than earlier provisions because it targets unauthorized individuals.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 249 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi aam vyakti (jo mint employee nahi hai ya authorized nahi hai) Indian coin ke weight ya metal composition ko badalta hai, to woh crime karta hai.
Simple words mein:
"Unauthorized person agar Indian coin ko modify kare to woh illegal hai."
Yeh law ensure karta hai ki sirf government-authorized process se hi coins banen.
Legal Definition (Original Law Text)
The essence of IPC Section 249 is:
Whoever, not being authorized by law, alters the weight or composition of an Indian coin commits an offence.
Practical Interpretation
For conviction under Section 249, prosecution generally needs to prove:
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The accused was not authorized by law.
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The object was an Indian coin.
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The coin’s weight or composition was altered.
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The alteration was intentional.
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The act had potential to deceive or affect currency integrity.
Even partial modification may attract liability.
Why IPC Section 249 Was Introduced?
If unauthorized persons could alter coins:
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Currency system would collapse;
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Fraudulent coins would circulate;
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Market trust would be lost;
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Government control over currency would weaken.
Therefore, strict prohibition is necessary.
Importance of Authorization
Only authorized entities like:
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Government mints;
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RBI-authorized systems;
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Lawful institutions;
can handle coin composition or manufacturing processes.
Difference Between Section 244 and 249
Section 244
Targets mint employees altering coins.
Section 249
Targets unauthorized persons altering coins.
Thus:
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Section 244 = Insider offence (mint employee).
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Section 249 = Outsider offence (unauthorized person).
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 249 provides:
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Imprisonment up to 7 years; AND
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Fine.
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 249
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes provisions relating to:
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Unauthorized alteration of currency;
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Economic fraud;
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Protection of monetary integrity.
Status
IPC repealed and replaced by BNS, but principle continues.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Coin Tampering
A person outside mint changes the metal content of coins to sell them for profit.
Section 249 applies.
Example 2: Fraudulent Modification
An individual alters coins to misrepresent their value in the market.
This attracts liability.
Example 3: Illegal Experimentation
A person modifies coins without authorization for resale or fraud purposes.
Section 249 becomes applicable.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
R.K. Dalmia v. Delhi Administration
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Unauthorized interference with financial systems is treated as a serious economic offence.
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:
Mobarik Ali Ahmed v. State of Bombay
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Fraudulent intent and knowledge are key components of liability.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 249 is applied when:
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Coins are altered by unauthorized individuals;
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Fraud in currency manipulation is detected;
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Counterfeit-like modifications are made;
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Economic offences are investigated.
Common Misuse Scenarios
Accidental Damage
Normal wear and tear is not an offence.
Lack of Intent
No fraudulent intention exists.
Misidentification
Accused may not have altered the coin.
Non-Coin Objects
The object may not qualify as an Indian coin.
Defenses Available
No Authorization Violation
Accused had legal permission.
No Alteration
No actual modification occurred.
Lack of Intent
No dishonest purpose existed.
False Allegation
Accused wrongly implicated.