IPC Section 272 — Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale

offences affecting the public health, safety, convenience, decency and morals

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both”

Summary

If a person mixes something harmful into any food or drink item, making it unsafe to eat or drink, and they plan to sell that item as food or drink, or know that it is likely to be sold as food or drink, they can be punished. The punishment can be imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever adulterates any article of food or drink, so as to make such article noxious as food or drink, intending to sell such article as food or drink, or knowing it to be likely that the same will be sold as food or drink, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Referred to by

Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act §41 — Procedure in case of default of person admitted to bail to appear before Prohibition Officer

Related Judgments

RAM NATH vs THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2024)
SWAMI ACHYUTANAND TIRTH & ORS. vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2016)
STATE OF KERALA AND ORS. vs UNNI AND ANR — Supreme Court of India (2006)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

BNS §274 — Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale