IPC Section 275 — Sale of adulterated drugs

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 knows that a drug or medical preparation has been made weaker, changed in its effect, or harmful, and then sells it, offers it for sale, displays it for sale, gives it out from a dispensary as if it were pure, or causes someone who does not know about the adulteration to use it for medicine, that person can be punished. The punishment may be imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever, knowing any drug or medical preparation to have been adulterated in such a manner as to lessen its efficacy, to change its operation, or to render it noxious, sells the same, or offers or exposes it for sale, or issues it from any dispensary for medicinal purposes as unadulterated, or causes it to be used for medicinal purposes by any person not knowing of the adulteration, 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

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