BNS · Section 188 · Chapter X — OF OFFENCES RELATING TO COIN, CURRENCY-NOTES, BANK-NOTES, AND GOVERNMENT STAMPS
Unlawfully taking coining instrument from mint
What this section does
This section penalises any person who, without lawful authority, removes a coining tool or instrument from a lawfully established mint in India.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused took out a coining tool or instrument from a mint
- The mint was lawfully established in India
- The accused acted without lawful authority
Old-law correspondence
Derived from IPC s.245.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 188, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 188 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.