IPC 273 → BNS 275: Sale of Noxious Food

Quick Summary: IPC 273 vs BNS 275

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 273 covers sale of noxious food, within the IPC's offences affecting public health, safety, decency and morals — public nuisance, negligent acts endangering life, adulteration, obscenity and rash driving. The BNS keeps these and, in places, sharpens the penalties for negligence, renumbering sale of noxious food as BNS 275.

What did IPC 273 cover?

IPC 273 dealt with sale of noxious food — sale of noxious food or drink. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 275: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to sale of noxious food are filed under BNS Section 275, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 275

Same - Up to 6 months

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: Negligence and public-harm offences like sale of noxious food turn on the standard of care and causation — frame the defence around BNS 275 and the specific duty alleged.
• Police officers: Record the act endangering the public and any injury caused; a new sale of noxious food FIR cites BNS 275.
• Law students & citizens: Everyday conduct — rash driving, negligent handling of fire or poison, selling adulterated goods — can attract the sale of noxious food provision.