14/02/2026
Through BNS, which was replaced by IPC, according to section 270, Public Nuisance: A Public Nuisance is defined as any act or illegal omission that causes common injury, danger, or annoyance to the public or people living in the vicinity. Public nuisance is categorized into specific acts as below mentioned:
1) Negligent acts likely to spread infection (Sec 271): If any person willfully or negligently does or is likely to spread a dangerous disease, then they can face imprisonment up to 06 months or a fine or both.
2). Malignant acts likely to spread infection stated under section 272 of BNS: If the act is done maliciously (with intent), the punishment increases to imprisonment up to 2 years, a fine or both.
3) Adulteration of food or drink stated in section 274 of BNS: Manufacturing food or drink noxious/unfit for consumption carries to 06 months in jail or a fine up to Rs 5000/-
4). Dangerous Driving or Riding: As stated in section 281 of the BNS, riding or driving on a public way so rashly as to endanger human life can lead to imprisonment up to 06 months, a fine of up to Rs 1000/-, or both.
In these provisions, the most significant shift from the old IPC to the BNS is increasing fine amounts.