272. Whoever malignantly does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 270 in BNS: Section 272
Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
Section 270 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) corresponds to Section 272 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 272 is cognizable, bailable, triable by Any Magistrate; punishment: Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272 | Malignantly doing any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life. | Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both. | Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. Offences committed earlier are charged and tried under the IPC.
Text of BNS Section 272
Full BNS Section 272 and every IPC section it replaced →
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