Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 250
Section Title:
Altering Appearance of Coin to Make It of Less Value
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Active under IPC framework; corresponding provisions continue under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 relating to currency fraud and economic offences.
Applicability:
IPC Section 250 applies when:
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A person alters the appearance of an Indian coin;
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The alteration makes it appear of lower value;
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The act is done fraudulently or dishonestly;
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The intention is to deceive or cause wrongful gain/loss.
This section focuses on downward manipulation of coin value.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 250 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi vyakti kisi Indian coin ko is tarah badalta hai ki woh uski asli value se kam value ka dikhe, to woh crime karta hai.
Simple words mein:
"Coin ko jaanbujhkar uski value kam dikhana crime hai."
Yeh section public ko financial fraud se protect karta hai.
Legal Definition (Original Law Text)
The essence of IPC Section 250 is:
Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly alters the appearance of a coin so as to make it appear of less value than it actually is commits an offence.
Practical Interpretation
To establish liability under Section 250, prosecution must prove:
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The object was a coin;
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It was an Indian coin;
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Its appearance was altered;
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The alteration made it appear of lower value;
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The act was fraudulent or dishonest.
Intent to deceive is essential.
Why IPC Section 250 Was Introduced?
Lower-value manipulation can lead to:
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Fraud in trade;
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Loss to unsuspecting citizens;
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Circulation of devalued coins;
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Economic imbalance in small transactions.
Thus, law criminalizes such manipulation.
Importance of Preventing Downward Value Manipulation
Even reducing perceived value can:
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Affect market trust;
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Mislead buyers/sellers;
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Enable fraudulent exchange practices;
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Distort everyday commerce.
Difference Between Section 248 and 250
Section 248
Altering coin to appear of higher value.
Section 250
Altering coin to appear of lower value.
Thus:
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Section 248 = inflation of value.
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Section 250 = deflation of value.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 250 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 250
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes provisions relating to:
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Currency fraud;
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Alteration of monetary instruments;
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Economic deception offences.
Status
IPC repealed and replaced by BNS, but principle remains preserved.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Coin Scraping
A person scratches coins to make them appear older and less valuable.
Section 250 applies.
Example 2: Chemical Damage
An accused uses chemicals to damage coin appearance so it looks devalued.
This attracts liability.
Example 3: Fraud in Exchange
A person alters coins to mislead sellers into accepting lower value.
Section 250 becomes applicable.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
Mobarik Ali Ahmed v. State of Bombay
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Fraudulent intent is essential in economic offences involving deception.
Case Name:
State of Maharashtra v. Mayer Hans George
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Economic offences impacting public trust require strict enforcement.
Case Name:
R.K. Dalmia v. Delhi Administration
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Manipulation of financial instruments is treated seriously under law.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 250 is applied when:
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Coins are deliberately devalued in appearance;
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Fraudulent intent is proven;
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Deceptive economic practices are detected;
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Currency manipulation affects transactions.
Common Misuse Scenarios
Natural Wear and Tear
Normal aging of coins is not an offence.
Accidental Damage
Unintentional scratches or damage are excluded.
Lack of Intent
No fraudulent purpose exists.
Misinterpretation of Condition
A naturally worn coin may be wrongly assumed altered.
Defenses Available
No Fraudulent Intent
No intention to deceive.
Natural Usage
Changes occurred through normal circulation.
No Alteration
No deliberate modification made.
False Allegation
Accused wrongly implicated.