Bailabel Type : non-bailable

Description

Section 232 IPC: Counterfeiting Indian Coin

Text of Section 232 IPC:

"Whoever counterfeits an Indian coin, or fraudulently alters or changes an Indian coin, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to life, or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years, and shall also be liable to fine."

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Detailed Explanation of Section 232 IPC:

Section 232 IPC deals specifically with the counterfeiting of Indian coins. It makes the act of forging, altering, or changing Indian coins a serious criminal offense with significant punishments.

Key Elements of the Offense:

1. Counterfeiting an Indian Coin:

   • Counterfeiting means forging or producing a fake copy of an Indian coin. This could include replicating coins used in the Indian currency system, like the Rupee, Paise, or any other currency in circulation in India.
   • Indian coins refer specifically to coins that are issued by the Government of India or are authorized to be used as currency in India.

2. Fraudulent Alteration or Change:

   • Fraudulent alteration refers to any alteration made to an Indian coin with the intent to deceive. This could include changing the denomination of a coin, altering its weight or metal composition, or modifying it to resemble a higher denomination.

3. Intent to Defraud:

   • The act of counterfeiting or altering coins is typically done with the intention to defraud others, i.e., passing fake coins off as legitimate currency. The person commits this act with the knowledge that they are breaking the law and attempting to deceive others.

Examples of the Offense:

• A person who manufactures fake Indian coins and tries to use them in transactions or circulates them among the public.

• A person who modifies existing Indian coins, for example, by shaving off metal or changing the coin's appearance to make it look like a higher-value coin.

Punishment

Punishment Under Section 232 IPC:

The punishment for counterfeiting an Indian coin is:

1. Imprisonment:

   • The accused can face imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term that can extend up to 14 years.
   • The imprisonment can be either simple imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

2. Fine:

   • The offender will also be liable to pay a fine. The amount of the fine will be determined by the court, considering the gravity of the offense.

3. Combination:

   • The court may impose both imprisonment and fine as a combination of punishment, depending on the circumstances.