IPC 275→BNS 277

IPC 275 to BNS 277: Sale of adulterated drugs

Section 275 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 277 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 275 →View BNS Section 277 →

IPC 275 to BNS 277 at a Glance

Section 275 IPC (Sale of adulterated drugs) is now Section 277 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 275 to BNS 277?

Section 275 IPC is now Section 277 BNS. The definition of the offence remains unchanged, but the maximum fine has been raised from one thousand rupees under Section 275 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 277 BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment of six months is unchanged.

IPC 275 vs BNS 277: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section275277
OffenceSale of adulterated drugsSame
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 277 BNS.
FineFine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment.Fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or both imprisonment and fine.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 275 and BNS 277: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 275, IPC 1860

275. Sale of adulterated drugs.—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.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 277, BNS 2023

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 five thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 275 vs BNS 277

Under IPC 275
  1. A drug or medical preparation has been adulterated so as to lessen its efficacy, change its operation, or render it noxious
  2. The accused knows of that adulteration
  3. The accused sells the drug, offers or exposes it for sale, issues it from a dispensary for medicinal purposes as unadulterated, or causes it to be used for medicinal purposes by a person ignorant of the adulteration
Under BNS 277
  1. Dealing with a drug known to have been adulterated so as to lessen its efficacy, change its operation, or render it noxious
  2. Selling, offering or exposing for sale, issuing from a dispensary as unadulterated, or causing its medicinal use by an unknowing person

What IPC 275 to BNS 277 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 275 IPC (now Section 277 BNS): the maximum fine increases from one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees under Section 277 BNS, while prosecution continues to require proof that the seller or dispenser knew of the adulteration.

FAQs: IPC 275 to BNS 277

What changed when Section 275 IPC became Section 277 BNS?▼

Section 277 BNS raises the maximum fine from one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees. The statutory definition of the offence and the maximum imprisonment of six months remain the same as under Section 275 IPC.

Where does Section 275 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 277 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 275 IPC or Section 277 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 275 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 275 IPC. Section 277 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 ·