IPC 275 → BNS 277: Sale of Adulterated Drugs

Quick Summary: IPC 275 vs BNS 277

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 275 covers sale of adulterated 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 sale of adulterated drugs as BNS 277.

What did IPC 275 cover?

IPC 275 dealt with sale of adulterated drugs — sale of adulterated 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 277: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to sale of adulterated drugs are filed under BNS Section 277, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 277

Same - Up to 6 months

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: Negligence and public-harm offences like sale of adulterated drugs turn on the standard of care and causation — frame the defence around BNS 277 and the specific duty alleged.
• Police officers: Record the act endangering the public and any injury caused; a new sale of adulterated drugs FIR cites BNS 277.
• Law students & citizens: Everyday conduct — rash driving, negligent handling of fire or poison, selling adulterated goods — can attract the sale of adulterated drugs provision.