IPC Section 279 — Rash driving or riding on a public way

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 drives a vehicle or rides an animal on a public road in a way that is very careless or dangerous, and this puts human life at risk or could cause injury to someone else, that person is breaking the law. For this offense, the court can send the person to jail for up to six months, or impose a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, 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.

Related Judgments

  • Khizzer Akhtar Shah vs The State of Maharashtra, Ms.Farhana Shah for Applicant., Dr.F.R.Shaik — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2016)
  • THE STATE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH vs RAMCHANDRA RABIDAS @ RATAN RABIDAS & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2019)
  • SANJAY COLARO vs STATE OF KARNATAKA — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • DALBIR SINGH vs STATE OF HARYANA — Supreme Court of India (2000)
  • STATE OF KARNATAKA vs KRISHNA ALIAS RAJU — Supreme Court of India (1987)
  • RATHNASHALVAN vs STATE OF KARNATAKA — Supreme Court of India (2007)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §281 — Rash driving or riding on a public way