BNS Section 181
What is the punishment for making or possessing tools to forge currency, stamps or coins?
Short answer
The offence is punishable by life imprisonment, or up to ten years, and a fine.
In detail
Section 181 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 makes it a crime to make, mend, use, buy, sell or keep any machinery, die, instrument or material that is intended for, or is believed to be intended for, forging or counterfeiting coins, government revenue stamps, currency notes or bank notes. The law applies when the person knows, or has reason to believe, that the item will be used for such illegal copying. The punishment is severe: the court may impose life imprisonment, or a term of imprisonment that can extend up to ten years, and the offender must also pay a fine. The provision also covers the making or using of documents that look like currency or bank notes. In short, anyone involved with tools or materials for counterfeit production faces the harshest penalties under this section.
Related questions
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Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
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Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
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People also ask
- Can I be punished for simply owning a counterfeit printing press?
- What penalty applies for selling tools used to counterfeit stamps?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.