IPC 277 in BNS: Find the New Section and What Changed

What Changed From IPC 277 to BNS 279?

Section 277 IPC is now Section 279 BNS. The statutory definition of the offence remains unchanged, but the punishment has been increased in both limbs: the maximum term of imprisonment has increased from three months to six months, and the maximum fine has been raised from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees.

IPC 277 vs BNS 279: Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	277	279
Offence	Fouling water of public spring or reservoir	Same
Punishment	Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or fine, or both.	Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months under Section 279 BNS.
Fine	Fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, alone or with imprisonment.	Fine which may extend to five thousand rupees under Section 279 BNS.
Bail	Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Any Magistrate	Same

IPC 277 and BNS 279: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 277, IPC 1860

277. Fouling water of public spring or reservoir.—Whoever voluntarily corrupts or fouls the water of any public spring or reservoir, so as to render it less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 279, BNS 2023

Whoever voluntarily corrupts or fouls the water of any public spring or reservoir, so as to render it less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used, 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 277 vs BNS 279

Under IPC 277

Voluntarily corrupting or fouling water
The water is that of a public spring or reservoir
The act renders the water less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used

Under BNS 279

Voluntarily corrupting or fouling the water of a public spring or reservoir
Rendering the public water source less fit for its ordinary use

What IPC 277 to BNS 279 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 277 IPC (now Section 279 BNS): both the maximum prison term and the fine cap increase under Section 279 BNS, moving from three months to six months of imprisonment and from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees in fine.

FAQs: IPC 277 to BNS 279

What changed when Section 277 IPC became Section 279 BNS?▼

Section 279 BNS increases the maximum imprisonment from three months to six months and raises the maximum fine from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees. The statutory definition of the offence remains unchanged from Section 277 IPC.

Where does Section 277 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 279 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 277 IPC or Section 279 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 277 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 277 IPC. Section 279 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 277 to BNS 279: Fouling water of public spring or reservoir

IPC 277 to BNS 279 at a Glance