Section 273 BNS: Disobedience to quarantine rule

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 273 BNS at a Glance

Section 273 BNS deals with disobedience to quarantine rule. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; it replaced Section 271 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 271 →

Section 273 BNS Bare Act Text

273. Disobedience to quarantine rule

Whoever knowingly disobeys any rule made by the Government for putting any mode of transport into a state of quarantine, or for regulating the intercourse of any such transport in a state of quarantine or for regulating the intercourse between places where an infectious disease prevails and other places, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 273, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 273 BNS in Simple Words

Section 273 BNS deals with knowing disobedience to a quarantine rule made by the Government. It applies when a person knowingly disobeys a rule made by the Government for putting any mode of transport into a state of quarantine, for regulating the intercourse of any such transport in a state of quarantine, or for regulating the intercourse between places where an infectious disease prevails and other places. This section protects public health during outbreaks and travel restrictions.

In practice, it covers conduct such as moving transport or travelling between restricted places in breach of Government quarantine rules when the person knows of the rule. The law is aimed at preventing the spread of infectious disease, not punishing accidental or unaware conduct.

Ingredients of Section 273 BNS

  • A quarantine rule made by the Government for putting any mode of transport into quarantine or regulating intercourse with infected places
  • Disobedience to that rule by the person
  • Knowing disobedience of the rule

Punishment Under Section 273 BNS

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months.

Fine

Punishable with fine alone or in addition to imprisonment.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Section 273 BNS prescribes imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both.

Example of Section 273 BNS

During a declared outbreak of a contagious viral disease, the Government makes quarantine regulations directing that all passenger ferries arriving from a coastal island must anchor off the port of Paradip for forty-eight hours of health inspection before discharging passengers. Manoj, the master of a ferry boat carrying fifty passengers, is served with the order on arrival. He knowingly ignores the directive and docks at the main jetty that evening to let passengers disembark into the town. Manoj is liable under Section 273 BNS.

When Section 273 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The person did not knowingly disobey the quarantine rule
  • The rule disobeyed was not made by the Government
  • The rule was not one for putting any mode of transport into a state of quarantine, for regulating the intercourse of any such transport in a state of quarantine, or for regulating the intercourse between places where an infectious disease prevails and other places
  • There was no actual disobedience of the prescribed rule

Section 273 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 273 BNS replaces Section 271 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 271 IPC is replaced by Section 273 BNS. The BNS modernised the provision by substituting mode of transport for vessel and Section 273 BNS speaks of regulating the intercourse of any such transport in a state of quarantine without naming the shore or other vessels. The requirement that the rule be promulgated was also omitted, leaving rule made by the Government. The punishment of imprisonment for up to six months, or fine, or both remains unchanged.

View IPC Section 271 →

FAQs on Section 273 BNS

What kind of rule is covered under Section 273 BNS?▼

It covers a rule made by the Government for putting any mode of transport into a state of quarantine, regulating the intercourse of such transport in quarantine, or regulating intercourse between places where an infectious disease prevails and other places.

Does Section 273 BNS apply if a person did not know about the quarantine rule?▼

Knowledge matters. The prosecution must show that the person knew of the quarantine rule and still disobeyed it. Without knowledge of the rule, this section does not apply.

Is Section 273 BNS a serious criminal offence?▼

It carries a relatively modest sentence, but it is taken seriously because it concerns public health. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both.

What is the present law for the offence under Section 273 BNS?▼

Section 273 BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 is the current law in force for this offence.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·