Section 292 BNS: Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 292 BNS at a Glance

Section 292 BNS deals with punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; it replaced Section 290 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

None prescribed by this section.

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

Section 290 →

Section 292 BNS Bare Act Text

292. Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for

Whoever commits a public nuisance in any case not otherwise punishable by this Sanhita shall be punished with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

Source: Section 292, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 292 BNS in Simple Words

Section 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provides the residuary punishment for committing a public nuisance. It applies to any person who commits a public nuisance in a situation where the conduct is not separately made punishable under any other provision of the Sanhita.

Because the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita contains several specific offences that deal with particular kinds of public danger, obstruction, or nuisance, Section 292 BNS operates as a fallback rule. For this section to apply, two things must be established: first, that the accused committed an act or illegal omission amounting to a public nuisance, and second, that the case is not otherwise punishable by any other section of the BNS. If another specific provision of the Sanhita prescribes a punishment for that particular nuisance, that specific provision applies instead of this section.

Whoever commits an offence under Section 292 BNS shall be punished with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees. This section does not prescribe any sentence of imprisonment.

Ingredients of Section 292 BNS

  • A public nuisance was committed
  • The act was done by the accused
  • The case is not otherwise punishable by this Sanhita

Punishment Under Section 292 BNS

Imprisonment

None prescribed by this section.

Fine

The offender may be punished with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

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

Committing a public nuisance in any case not otherwise punishable by the Sanhita is punishable with a fine of up to one thousand rupees.

Example of Section 292 BNS

Near a busy market outside Meerut, Gopal regularly dumps broken crates and rotting vegetable waste across a public lane used by shoppers and cycle-rickshaws. Sunita, who runs a nearby tea stall, and Naveen, a delivery rider, both complain because people have to step onto the road to pass, causing obstruction and inconvenience to the public. No other specific punishment provision is shown to apply on these facts. If Gopal has committed a public nuisance and the case is not otherwise punishable by the Sanhita, this section can apply.

When Section 292 BNS Does Not Apply

  • A private quarrel inside a house that does not amount to a public nuisance
  • An act affecting only one person in a purely personal setting, not the public
  • A case where the conduct is otherwise punishable under another specific provision of the Sanhita
  • A mere inconvenience complaint where commission of public nuisance is not proved

Section 292 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 292 BNS replaces Section 290 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 292 BNS corresponds to Section 290 IPC. The phrase this Code is updated to this Sanhita, and the maximum fine is raised from two hundred rupees under Section 290 IPC to one thousand rupees under Section 292 BNS.

View IPC Section 290 →

FAQs on Section 292 BNS

What does Section 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita cover?▼

Section 292 BNS covers a public nuisance when that act is not otherwise punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In simple words, it applies as a general punishment provision for public nuisance if no other specific BNS section already covers the case.

What has to be proved for action under Section 292 BNS?▼

It must be shown that the person committed a public nuisance, and that the case is not otherwise punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The section itself is limited and mainly works as a fallback provision where no other specific punishment is provided.

What is the punishment under Section 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

The punishment under Section 292 BNS is a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees. The bare text does not provide imprisonment under this section.

How is Section 292 BNS different from other public nuisance offences?▼

Section 292 BNS applies only where the public nuisance is not otherwise punishable by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. If another specific BNS provision already punishes that act, that specific provision would apply instead of Section 292.

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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 ·