Code :Section 179 BNS
Whoever imports or exports, or sells or delivers to, or buys or receives from, any
other person, or otherwise traffics or uses as genuine, any forged or counterfeit coin, stamp,
currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or
counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation of Section 179 BNS
Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, penalizes the act of trafficking, selling, delivering, buying, or using counterfeit coins, Government stamps, currency notes, or bank notes with the knowledge or reason to believe that they are fake.
This section ensures punishment not only for the creators of counterfeit items (covered under Section 178 BNS) but also for anyone who facilitates circulation or usage of such counterfeit items in the market.
Key Ingredients
- The person must import, export, sell, deliver, buy, receive, traffic, or use the counterfeit item as genuine.
- Knowledge or reason to believe that the coin, stamp, currency-note, or bank-note is forged or counterfeit.
- The offence is punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment up to ten years and fine.
Illustration
Example:
Arjun knowingly buys fake ₹500 currency notes from a dealer and circulates them in the local market as genuine. He is guilty under Section 179 BNS and can face life imprisonment or up to ten years of imprisonment with a fine.
Another Example:
A person who knowingly accepts counterfeit Government stamps and uses them for official purposes will also be liable under this section.
Common Questions & Answers
1. What is the primary difference between Section 178 and Section 179 BNS?
- Section 178 punishes the act of creating or participating in counterfeiting.
- Section 179 punishes the act of trafficking, selling, buying, or using counterfeit items knowing them to be fake.
2. Is mere possession covered under Section 179?
No. Possession of counterfeit articles is covered under Section 180 BNS. Section 179 requires active participation in usage, circulation, or trafficking.
3. What is the punishment for violating Section 179 BNS?
Life imprisonment or imprisonment up to ten years and fine.
4. What is meant by “reason to believe” in this section?
It means that even if a person does not have direct knowledge but has enough information that should alert a reasonable person to suspect that the item is counterfeit, they will be liable.
Related Sections (Clickable Internal Links)
You may also want to read:
- 👉 Section 178 BNS – Counterfeiting Coin, Government Stamps, Currency-Notes Or Bank-Notes
- 👉 Section 180 BNS – Possession of Counterfeit Coin, Government Stamp, Currency-Note or Bank-Note
- 👉 Section 182 BNS – Using as Genuine, Forged or Counterfeit Documents or Stamps
Conclusion
Section 179 BNS ensures that anyone who facilitates the circulation of counterfeit currency, stamps, or coins faces strict punishment. This provision safeguards the public and the country’s economic stability from fraud and deception.
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