IPC 270→BNS 272

IPC 270 to BNS 272: Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

Section 270 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 272 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 270 →View BNS Section 272 →

IPC 270 to BNS 272 at a Glance

Section 270 IPC (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) is now Section 272 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 270 to BNS 272?

Section 270 IPC is now Section 272 BNS. The title, the statutory wording, and the punishment of imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both remain word for word the same.

IPC 270 vs BNS 272: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section270272
OffenceMalignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to lifeSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or fine, or both.Imprisonment of either description for up to two years under Section 272 BNS.
FineFine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.Punishable with fine alone or in addition to imprisonment under Section 272 BNS.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 270 and BNS 272: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 270, IPC 1860

270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.—Whoever malignantly 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 two years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 272, BNS 2023

Whoever malignantly 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 two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 270 vs BNS 272

Under IPC 270
  1. Doing an act malignantly
  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 272
  1. Malignantly 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 270 to BNS 272 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 270 IPC (now Section 272 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the new Code came into force cites Section 272 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 270 to BNS 272

What changed when Section 270 IPC became Section 272 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 272 BNS repeats the title, wording, and punishment of Section 270 IPC without change.

Where does Section 270 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 272 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 270 IPC or Section 272 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 270 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 270 IPC. Section 272 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 ·