Section 181 of BNS : Section 181: Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting coin, Government stamp, currency-notes or bank-notes.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a skilled metalworker, is approached by a group of individuals who offer him a large sum of money to create a die (a specialized tool used in manufacturing) that can be used to produce counterfeit ₹500 currency notes. Ravi, aware of their intentions, agrees and manufactures the die. He is later caught by the police with the die in his possession. Under Section 181 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ravi can be charged with making an instrument for the purpose of counterfeiting currency notes. He faces imprisonment for life or a term up to ten years, along with a fine.

Example 2:

Priya runs a small printing business. One day, she receives an order to print a large number of government revenue stamps. The customer provides her with the exact specifications and materials needed. Priya, suspecting that the stamps might be used for illegal purposes, decides to proceed with the order anyway. When the authorities discover the counterfeit stamps, Priya is arrested. Under Section 181, she can be charged with making materials for the purpose of forging government stamps, facing imprisonment for life or a term up to ten years, and a fine.

Example 3:

Arjun, a collector of antique coins, unknowingly buys a set of counterfeit ancient coins from a dealer. When he tries to sell these coins to another collector, the buyer recognizes them as fakes and reports Arjun to the police. Although Arjun did not know the coins were counterfeit when he bought them, he is still in possession of counterfeit coins. Under Section 181, if it is proven that Arjun had reason to believe the coins were counterfeit, he could be charged and face imprisonment for life or a term up to ten years, along with a fine.

Example 4:

Sunita, a software engineer, develops a sophisticated software program that can be used to design and print counterfeit banknotes. She sells this software to a criminal organization, fully aware of their intentions. The police later trace the software back to Sunita. Under Section 181, she can be charged with making an instrument for the purpose of counterfeiting banknotes, facing imprisonment for life or a term up to ten years, and a fine.

Example 5:

Vikram, a shop owner, finds a machine in his storeroom that can be used to mint coins. He decides to keep it, thinking it might be useful someday. However, he does not inform the authorities about the machine. When the police conduct a routine inspection and find the machine, Vikram is arrested. Under Section 181, even though Vikram did not use the machine, his possession of it with the knowledge that it could be used for counterfeiting coins makes him liable for punishment, facing imprisonment for life or a term up to ten years, and a fine.