Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 253
Section Title:
Selling, Exposing or Offering Counterfeit Coin as Genuine
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Active under IPC framework; corresponding provisions continue under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 relating to counterfeit currency offences.
Applicability:
IPC Section 253 applies when:
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A person sells, distributes, or offers a counterfeit coin;
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The coin is presented as genuine;
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The accused knows or has reason to believe it is counterfeit;
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The act is done with fraudulent intent.
This section targets circulation of fake coins in the economy.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 253 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi vyakti fake coin ko asli batakar kisi ko bechta hai ya market mein use karta hai, to woh crime karta hai.
Simple words mein:
"Fake coin ko asli batakar use karna ya bechna crime hai."
Yeh section public ko fraud se bachata hai.
Legal Definition (Original Law Text)
The essence of IPC Section 253 is:
Whoever sells, offers, or exposes as genuine any counterfeit coin, knowing it to be counterfeit, commits an offence.
Practical Interpretation
To establish liability under Section 253, prosecution must prove:
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The coin was counterfeit;
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The accused sold, offered, or exposed it;
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It was presented as genuine;
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The accused had knowledge of its counterfeit nature;
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There was fraudulent intent.
Circulation is the key element here.
Why IPC Section 253 Was Introduced?
If counterfeit coins are freely circulated:
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Public trust breaks;
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Small traders suffer losses;
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Economic transactions become unsafe;
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Criminal networks benefit.
Thus, law punishes circulation itself.
Importance of Preventing Circulation
Circulation is the final stage of counterfeit crime:
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Production → possession → distribution → circulation.
Section 253 targets the last and most harmful stage.
Difference Between Section 242–252 and Section 253
Sections 242–252
Deal with possession, tools, materials, and preparation.
Section 253
Deals with actual circulation of counterfeit coins.
Thus:
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Preparation offences vs distribution offence.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 253 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 / Court of Session depending on gravity.
IPC ↔ BNS Mapping
IPC Section
IPC Section 253
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes provisions relating to:
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Counterfeit currency circulation;
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Economic fraud offences;
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Fraudulent monetary transactions.
Status
IPC repealed and replaced by BNS, but principle continues.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Fake Coin Sale
A person knowingly sells counterfeit coins in the market as genuine.
Section 253 applies.
Example 2: Shopkeeper Fraud
A shopkeeper gives counterfeit coins as change while knowing they are fake.
This attracts liability.
Example 3: Organized Circulation
A network distributes counterfeit coins to traders for circulation.
Section 253 becomes applicable.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
Mobarik Ali Ahmed v. State of Bombay
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Fraudulent intent in circulation of fake currency is essential for conviction.
Case Name:
State of Maharashtra v. Mayer Hans George
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Economic offences affecting public trust require strict legal action.
Case Name:
R.K. Dalmia v. Delhi Administration
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Currency-related fraud impacts national economic stability and is severely punishable.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 253 is applied when:
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Counterfeit coins are circulated;
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Fraudulent exchange is detected;
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Markets are affected by fake currency;
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Law enforcement intercepts distribution chains.
Common Misuse Scenarios
Innocent Receipt
A person unknowingly receives a fake coin.
Lack of Knowledge
No awareness of counterfeit nature.
Forced Circulation Claim
Accused may claim ignorance of circulation.
Misidentification
Accused wrongly linked to distribution.
Defenses Available
No Knowledge
Accused did not know coin was counterfeit.
Lack of Intent
No fraudulent intention.
Innocent Possession
Coin was received unknowingly.
False Implication
Wrongly accused of circulation.