Section 285 BNS: Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 285 BNS at a Glance

Section 285 BNS deals with danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; it replaced Section 283 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

No imprisonment is prescribed; the offence is punishable with fine only under Section 285 BNS.

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

Section 283 →

Section 285 BNS Bare Act Text

285. Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation

Whoever, by doing any act, or by omitting to take order with any property in his possession or under his charge, causes danger, obstruction or injury to any person in any public way or public line of navigation, shall be punished with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.

Source: Section 285, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 285 BNS in Simple Words

Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with creating danger, obstruction, or injury in a public way or public line of navigation. In simple terms, it applies when a person places or keeps something in a place used by the public, such as a road, footpath, bridge, canal, or waterway, in a way that may cause harm or block movement. The law is aimed at protecting public safety and smooth passage.

This section can apply to a shopkeeper, contractor, resident, or any person who leaves materials, debris, vehicles, barricades, or other objects in a public place without proper care or authority. It does not require actual injury in every case. Even creating a real risk or obstruction can be enough.

In practice, this section is often used in matters involving encroachment, unsafe construction material, blocked pathways, or obstructions in navigable waters. It is a minor offence, but it matters because public inconvenience and safety risks can quickly become serious.

Ingredients of Section 285 BNS

  • Doing an act or omitting to take order with property in possession or charge
  • Causing danger, obstruction or injury to any person
  • The danger, obstruction or injury occurring in a public way or public line of navigation

Punishment Under Section 285 BNS

Imprisonment

No imprisonment is prescribed; the offence is punishable with fine only under Section 285 BNS.

Fine

Fine which may extend to five thousand rupees under Section 285 BNS.

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

Under Section 285 BNS, causing danger, obstruction, or injury in any public way or public line of navigation is punishable with fine only, which may extend to five thousand rupees.

Example of Section 285 BNS

Deepak runs a workshop beside a public road. Deepak places heavy iron beams and scrap machinery across the road shoulder and leaves them there overnight without lights or warning markers. A pedestrian walking along the road collides with the projecting steel beams in the dark and sustains bruises. Deepak caused danger, obstruction and injury in a public way by omitting to take order with property in his possession. Deepak is liable under Section 285 BNS.

When Section 285 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The act or omission did not cause danger, obstruction or injury to any person
  • The danger, obstruction or injury was not caused in any public way or public line of navigation
  • Where the case rests on an omission, the property was neither in the possession nor under the charge of the accused

Section 285 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 285 BNS replaces Section 283 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 283 IPC corresponds to Section 285 BNS. The definition of the offence remains unchanged, and the offence continues to be punishable with fine only. The maximum fine has increased from two hundred rupees under Section 283 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 285 BNS.

View IPC Section 283 →

FAQs on Section 285 BNS

What kind of act is punished under Section 285 BNS?▼

It covers placing or keeping something in a public road, footpath, bridge, canal, or similar public route in a way that creates danger or blocks movement. The focus is on public inconvenience and safety. Actual harm is not always necessary.

Can a temporary blockage also fall under Section 285 BNS?▼

Yes, if the blockage creates a real risk or serious obstruction to the public. For example, leaving building material on a road or blocking a footpath without permission can attract this provision. The facts of each case matter.

Is Section 285 BNS a serious criminal case?▼

No, it is a minor offence. The punishment is limited to a fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, with no imprisonment. It is also bailable.

Can the offence under Section 285 BNS be compounded?▼

Yes, it is compoundable. That means the matter can be settled in accordance with law, subject to the applicable procedure and court approval where required.

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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 ·