Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 277
Sale of adulterated drugs
In one line
BNS Section 277 deals with sale of adulterated drugs and replaces IPC 275.
Punishment, bail and court
| 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: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 277
277. Sale of adulterated drugs.
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.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 275 → BNS 277: Upper limit of fine is increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 277 in the IPC?
BNS Section 277 (Sale of adulterated drugs) replaces Section 275 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 275 is now BNS 277.
What is the punishment under BNS 277?
Sale of adulterated drugs – punishable 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. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate.
Is BNS 277 bailable?
Bailable: BNS 277. Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 272 — Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- BNS 273 — Disobedience to quarantine rule
- BNS 274 — Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale
- BNS 275 — Sale of noxious food or drink
- BNS 276 — Adulteration of drugs
- BNS 278 — Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
- BNS 279 — Fouling water of public spring or reservoir
- BNS 280 — Making atmosphere noxious to health
- BNS 281 — Rash driving or riding on a public way
- BNS 282 — Rash navigation of vessel