Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 250
repealedDelivery of coin possessed with knowledge that it is altered
Whoever, having coin in his possession with respect to which the offence defined in sections 246 or 248 has been committed, and having known at the time when he became possessed of such coin that such offence had been committed with respect to it, fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, delivers such coin to any other person, or attempts to induce any other person to receive the same, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Why this exists
This provision closes the loop after a coin has already been tampered with: it targets people who knowingly circulate a bad coin, not just those who first altered it. Spreading fraudulent coins through many hands makes them harder to trace, so the law punishes conscious participation anywhere in that chain. The IPC has since been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (effective 1 July 2024) for offences committed after that date.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Only the person who alters a coin can be punished.
Fact: Anyone who knowingly passes on an altered coin to deceive someone else can also be punished, even if they did not alter it themselves.