IPC 285→BNS 287

IPC 285 to BNS 287: Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter

Section 285 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 287 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 285 →View BNS Section 287 →

IPC 285 to BNS 287 at a Glance

Section 285 IPC (Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) is now Section 287 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 285 to BNS 287?

Section 285 IPC corresponds to Section 287 BNS. The definition of the offence and the maximum imprisonment of six months remain unchanged. The maximum fine has increased from one thousand rupees under Section 285 IPC to two thousand rupees under Section 287 BNS.

IPC 285 vs BNS 287: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section285287
OffenceNegligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matterSame
PunishmentImprisonment 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.
FineFine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment.Fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, either alone or in addition to imprisonment.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 285 and BNS 287: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 285, IPC 1860

285. Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter.—Whoever does, with fire or any combustible matter, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any fire or any combustible matter in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such fire or combustible matter, 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 287, BNS 2023

Whoever does, with fire or any combustible matter, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any fire or any combustible matter in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such fire or combustible matter, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 285 vs BNS 287

Under IPC 285
  1. Dealing with fire or any combustible matter
  2. Doing any act with fire or combustible matter so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, or knowingly or negligently omitting to take such order with any fire or combustible matter in possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such fire or combustible matter
Under BNS 287
  1. Doing any act with fire or combustible matter so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or be likely to cause hurt or injury
  2. Knowingly or negligently omitting to take sufficient order with fire or combustible matter in possession to guard against probable danger to human life

What IPC 285 to BNS 287 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 285 IPC (now Section 287 BNS): the substantive definition of the offence and the six-month imprisonment term are unchanged, but Section 287 BNS increases the financial penalty by raising the maximum fine from one thousand rupees to two thousand rupees.

FAQs: IPC 285 to BNS 287

What changed when Section 285 IPC became Section 287 BNS?▼

The maximum fine has been raised from one thousand rupees to two thousand rupees. The substantive definition of negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter and the six-month maximum imprisonment term remain unchanged.

Where does Section 285 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 287 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 285 IPC or Section 287 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 285 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 285 IPC. Section 287 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 ·