BNS Section 276 — Adulteration of drugs

CHAPTER XV OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, CONVENIENCE, DECENCY AND MORALS

Criminal

Summary

Whoever changes a drug or medical preparation by adding something to it, or otherwise altering it, so that the drug becomes less effective, works differently than intended, or becomes harmful, and does so with the intention that it will be sold or used for a medicinal purpose as if it had not been altered, or knowing that it is likely to be sold or used that way, commits an offence under this section. The punishment for this is imprisonment of either kind for up to one year, or a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make it noxious, intending that it shall be sold or used for, or knowing it to be likely that it will be sold or used for, any medicinal purpose, as if it had not undergone such adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.280 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1531 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.8 p.670 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2024) Vol.6 p.129 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2025) Vol.4 p.2730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.7 p.105 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

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