Section 291 BNS: Negligent conduct with respect to animal

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 291 BNS at a Glance

Section 291 BNS deals with negligent conduct with respect to animal. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; it replaced Section 289 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

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

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

Section 289 →

Section 291 BNS Bare Act Text

291. Negligent conduct with respect to animal

Whoever knowingly or negligently omits to take such measures with any animal in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life, or any probable danger of grievous hurt from such animal, 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.

Source: Section 291, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 291 BNS in Simple Words

Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) punishes negligent conduct with respect to an animal. It applies to any person who has an animal in their possession and fails to take adequate precautions to prevent that animal from posing a serious threat to other people.

The offence is committed when a person knowingly or negligently omits to take such measures with any animal in their possession as are sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life, or any probable danger of grievous hurt from that animal. The section speaks of an animal in a person's possession, which covers anyone currently keeping or holding control of the animal, and it requires that the risk be as serious as probable danger to human life or probable danger of grievous hurt, rather than minor annoyance.

A person who commits an offence under Section 291 BNS shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients of Section 291 BNS

  • The accused had an animal in his possession
  • He knowingly or negligently omitted to take sufficient measures with that animal
  • The omitted measures were needed to guard against probable danger to human life
  • Or the omitted measures were needed to guard against probable danger of grievous hurt from the animal

Punishment Under Section 291 BNS

Imprisonment

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

Fine

The offender may be punished with fine of up to five thousand rupees alone, or with both imprisonment and fine.

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

Knowingly or negligently omitting to take sufficient measures with an animal in one's possession to guard against probable danger to human life or grievous hurt is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to six months, or with fine up to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Example of Section 291 BNS

Near Patna, Zoya kept a large aggressive dog tied outside her house after it had already lunged at passers-by. Karthik, her neighbour, warned her that the rope was frayed and the gate often stayed open. Even so, Zoya did not replace the rope, secure the gate, or muzzle the dog. One evening Lakshmi walked past the lane with groceries, and the dog broke free and charged at her, creating a clear probable danger to her life and of grievous hurt. Zoya's negligent omission to take sufficient safety measures brings the case within this section.

When Section 291 BNS Does Not Apply

  • No animal was in the accused's possession
  • Reasonable and sufficient safety measures had in fact been taken
  • There was no probable danger to human life or probable danger of grievous hurt from the animal
  • The harm was caused by a person's rash or negligent act not involving omission of safety measures with an animal, which may fall under Section 106 BNS

Section 291 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 291 BNS replaces Section 289 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 291 BNS corresponds to Section 289 IPC. The phrase take such order is replaced with take such measures, the maximum imprisonment of six months remains the same, and the maximum fine is increased from one thousand rupees under Section 289 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 291 BNS.

View IPC Section 289 →

FAQs on Section 291 BNS

What does Section 291 BNS cover if someone's animal causes danger?▼

Section 291 BNS covers a person who knowingly or negligently fails to take enough precautions with an animal in their possession. The danger must be a probable danger to human life or a probable danger of grievous hurt from that animal.

What has to be proved under Section 291 BNS?▼

It must be shown that the animal was in the person's possession and that the person omitted to take measures sufficient to guard against the probable danger. The omission may be knowing or negligent, and the risk must be to human life or of grievous hurt.

What is the punishment under Section 291 BNS for negligent conduct with respect to an animal?▼

The punishment under Section 291 BNS may extend to imprisonment for six months, or fine up to five thousand rupees, or both. The exact punishment depends on the facts of the case.

How is Section 291 BNS different from simply owning a dangerous animal?▼

Section 291 BNS does not punish mere ownership by itself. It applies when a person in possession of an animal knowingly or negligently fails to take sufficient steps to prevent probable danger to human life or probable grievous hurt.

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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: 15 Oct 2026 ·