IPC 269→BNS 271

IPC 269 to BNS 271: Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

Section 269 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 271 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 269 →View BNS Section 271 →

IPC 269 to BNS 271 at a Glance

Section 269 IPC (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) is now Section 271 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 269 to BNS 271?

Section 269 IPC is now Section 271 BNS. The title, the statutory wording, and the punishment of imprisonment for up to six months, or fine, or both remain word for word the same.

IPC 269 vs BNS 271: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section269271
OffenceNegligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to lifeSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both.Imprisonment of either description for up to six months under Section 271 BNS.
FineFine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.Punishable with fine alone or in addition to imprisonment under Section 271 BNS.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 269 and BNS 271: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 269, IPC 1860

269. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.—Whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 271, BNS 2023

Whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 269 vs BNS 271

Under IPC 269
  1. Doing an act unlawfully or negligently
  2. The act is in fact likely to spread the infection of a disease dangerous to life
  3. The person knows or has reason to believe that the act is likely to spread that infection
Under BNS 271
  1. Unlawfully or negligently doing an act
  2. The act being likely to spread the infection of a disease dangerous to life
  3. Knowing or having reason to believe that the act is likely to spread that infection

What IPC 269 to BNS 271 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 269 IPC (now Section 271 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the new Code came into force cites Section 271 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 269 to BNS 271

What changed when Section 269 IPC became Section 271 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 271 BNS repeats the title, wording, and punishment of Section 269 IPC without change.

Where does Section 269 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 271 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 269 IPC or Section 271 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 269 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 269 IPC. Section 271 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·