IPC 489B → BNS 179: Using Forged Currency

Quick Summary: IPC 489B vs BNS 179

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 489B covers using forged currency, among the IPC's offences relating to documents and currency marks — forgery, making false documents, counterfeiting marks and currency-note offences. Carried into the BNS as BNS 179, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 489B cover?

IPC 489B dealt with using forged currency — using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 179: What changed in the new law?

Merged into general counterfeiting section. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to using forged currency are filed under BNS Section 179, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 179

Same - Life or up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For using forged currency, whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 179 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the using forged currency offence is registered under BNS 179.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in using forged currency, is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.