277. Whoever, knowing any drug or medical preparation to have been adulterated in such a manner as to lessen its efficacy, to change its operation, or to render it noxious, sells the same, or offers or exposes it for sale, or issues it from any dispensary for medicinal purposes as unadulterated, or causes it to be used for medicinal purposes by any person not knowing of the adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
IPC Section 275 in BNS: Section 277
Sale of adulterated drugs
Section 275 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Sale of adulterated drugs) corresponds to Section 277 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 277 is non-cognizable, bailable, triable by Any Magistrate; punishment: Imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both.
Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 277 | Sale of adulterated drugs. | Imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both. | Non-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 277
Full BNS Section 277 and every IPC section it replaced →
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