IPC 274 → BNS 276: Adulteration of Drugs

Quick Summary: IPC 274 vs BNS 276

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 274 covers adulteration of drugs, 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 adulteration of drugs as BNS 276.

What did IPC 274 cover?

IPC 274 dealt with adulteration of drugs — adulteration of drugs. 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 276: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to adulteration of drugs are filed under BNS Section 276, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 276

Same - Up to 6 months

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: Negligence and public-harm offences like adulteration of drugs turn on the standard of care and causation — frame the defence around BNS 276 and the specific duty alleged.
• Police officers: Record the act endangering the public and any injury caused; a new adulteration of drugs FIR cites BNS 276.
• Law students & citizens: Everyday conduct — rash driving, negligent handling of fire or poison, selling adulterated goods — can attract the adulteration of drugs provision.