Section 182: Making or Using Documents Resembling Currency Notes

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Chapter IX: Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency & Stamps • Official Statutory Text & Legal Guide

Chapter IX: Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency & Stamps
Any Magistrate
Bailable
Non-Cognizable
Formerly Sec 489E IPC

BNSS First Schedule Legal Classification

Procedural Trial, Bail & Arrest Mandate under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Official BNSS Schedule I
Offence / Provision Statutory Punishment Bail Status Cognizance Trial Jurisdiction Old IPC Equivalent
Section 182 BNS
Making or Using Documents Resembling Currency Notes
Fine extending to ₹100. Bailable Non-Cognizable Any Magistrate Formerly Sec 489E IPC
Statutory classification established under the First Schedule of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Governs all FIR registrations, bail hearings, and criminal trial jurisdictions in Indian courts.

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 182

Section 182 penalizes making or using documents resembling currency notes or bank notes, providing that whoever makes, uses, or distributes any document resembling a currency note shall be punished with fine up to five thousand rupees.

  • Resemblance to Currency: Making or circulating advertising flyers, play money, or promotional cards resembling official currency notes in size, color, or design.
  • Strict Liability Offence: Punishable with fine, designed to prevent visual confusion among illiterate and rural citizens.
  • Statutory Forfeiture: The court may order all copies and printing plates to be destroyed (formerly Section 489E IPC).
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • State of Kerala v. Mathai Verghese (1986) 4 SCC 746: Examined visual resemblance to currency, noting that documents calculated to deceive the public are strictly regulated under penal provisions.
  • Uma Shankar v. State of Chhattisgarh (2001) 9 SCC 642: Affirmed that regulatory currency protections operate to preserve public trust in legal tender.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

In commercial marketing disputes where an advertising agency printed coupons resembling ₹500 notes, show that the notes had 'Promotional Coupon - Not Legal Tender' printed prominently: disproving deceptive resemblance avoids penalties under Section 182 BNS.