IPC 276 to BNS 278: Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
Section 276 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 278 BNS (2023)
IPC 276 to BNS 278 at a Glance
Section 276 IPC (Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation) is now Section 278 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 276 to BNS 278?
Section 276 IPC is now Section 278 BNS. The definition of the offence remains unchanged, but the maximum fine has been raised from one thousand rupees under Section 276 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 278 BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment of six months is unchanged.
IPC 276 vs BNS 278: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 276 | 278 |
| Offence | Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both. | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months under Section 278 BNS. |
| Fine | Fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment. | Fine which may extend to five thousand rupees under Section 278 BNS. |
| Bail | Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Non-Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Any Magistrate | Same |
IPC 276 and BNS 278: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 276, IPC 1860
Section 278, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 276 vs BNS 278
- Selling, offering or exposing for sale, or issuing from a dispensary for medicinal purposes, any drug or medical preparation
- Representing or passing off the drug or medical preparation as a different drug or medical preparation
- Acting with knowledge that it is being sold or issued as a different drug or medical preparation
- Knowingly selling, offering or exposing for sale, or issuing from a dispensary for medicinal purposes, a drug or medical preparation
- As a different drug or medical preparation
What IPC 276 to BNS 278 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 276 to BNS 278
What changed when Section 276 IPC became Section 278 BNS?▼
Section 278 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 276 IPC.
Where does Section 276 IPC sit in the BNS?▼
In Section 278 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.
Does Section 276 IPC or Section 278 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 276 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 276 IPC. Section 278 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 ·