IPC Section 287 — Negligent conduct with respect to machinery

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

A person who uses any machinery in a rash or careless way that puts human life at risk, or that could cause hurt or injury to someone else, is breaking this law. It also applies if a person knowingly or carelessly fails to take proper safety steps with machinery they own or are responsible for, to prevent likely danger to human life. The punishment for this offence can be imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever does, with any machinery, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any machinery in his possession or under his care as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such machinery, 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

  • Chahar, APP for the State; with Mr. Hunny Yadav; Ms. Akchita Singh, Mr vs AJAY AGGARWAL — Delhi High Court (2024)
  • NATHA SINGH vs STATE OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS — Delhi High Court (2025)
  • DEVENDER YADAV & ANR vs STATE & ORS — Delhi High Court (2018)
  • J.KUMAR- CRTG(JV) THROUGH ITS; AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE vs STATE — Delhi High Court (2024)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §289 — Negligent conduct with respect to machinery