Whoever performs on any coin any operation which alters the appearance of that coin, with the intention that the said coin shall pass as a coin of a different description, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 248: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 248 addresses the offence of altering the appearance of a coin with the intent that it should pass as a coin of a different description. This section aims to protect the integrity of the currency by penalizing any act that involves modifying a coin to make it appear as if it is of a different denomination or type. Such actions can deceive individuals and disrupt economic transactions.
The critical elements of this offence include:
- The accused must have altered the appearance of a coin.
- The alteration must be done with the intent to make the coin pass as a coin of a different description.
- The act must be fraudulent or dishonest.
Is IPC Section 248 bailable?
No, IPC Section 248 is a non-bailable offence. This means that the accused does not have the right to be released on bail as a matter of course, and bail can only be granted at the discretion of the court, considering the specifics of the case.
IPC Section 248 Punishment
The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 248 is imprisonment of either description (simple or rigorous) for a term which may extend to seven years, along with a fine. This stringent punishment reflects the severe nature of the offence and its potential impact on the economy and public trust in the currency.
Example of IPC Section 248
Imagine a scenario involving a man named Arjun, who works as a metalsmith. Arjun comes across a batch of low-denomination coins and decides to alter their appearance to make them resemble higher-denomination coins. He does this by re-engraving the numbers and other identifying marks on the coins. Arjun then attempts to use these altered coins in transactions, hoping to gain more value from them than they are worth. Eventually, a shopkeeper notices the unusual appearance of the coins and reports them to the authorities. An investigation reveals that Arjun altered the coins with the intent to pass them off as higher-denomination coins. As a result, Arjun is charged under IPC Section 248 for fraudulently altering the appearance of the coins, and he faces the prescribed punishment for this severe offence.
