Section 270 IPC: Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 270 IPC at a Glance

Section 270 IPC deals with malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 272 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or fine, or both.

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

Section 272 →

Section 270 IPC Bare Act Text

270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life

Whoever malignantly does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 270, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 270 IPC in Simple Words

Section 270 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes whoever malignantly does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or fine, or both.

Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the offence is cognizable, bailable, and triable by any Magistrate.

Ingredients of Section 270 IPC

  • Doing an act malignantly
  • The act is in fact likely to spread the infection of a disease dangerous to life
  • The person knows or has reason to believe that the act is likely to spread that infection

Punishment Under Section 270 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or fine, or both.

Fine

Fine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.

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

A malignant act likely to spread the infection of a disease dangerous to life is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Example of Section 270 IPC

In 2015, Ranjit held a bitter grudge against his former business partner in Amritsar. While suffering from severe diphtheria, a contagious disease dangerous to life, Ranjit learned from his doctor that his saliva and nasal secretions carried virulent bacteria capable of fatal transmission. Acting malignantly to harm his rival, Ranjit secretly smeared his contaminated handkerchiefs across the partner's dining utensils and towels, knowing that that act was likely to spread the infection. Ranjit is punishable under Section 270 IPC.

When Section 270 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The act resulted from carelessness or negligence without any malice or wicked intent.
  • The conduct was not in fact likely to transmit the infection of a disease dangerous to life.
  • The person had neither knowledge nor reason to believe that the act would spread the infection.
  • The infection in question was not of a disease dangerous to life.

Section 270 IPC in the BNS

Section 270 IPC is now covered under Section 272 BNS.

Section 270 IPC is now Section 272 BNS. The title, the statutory wording, and the punishment of imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both remain word for word the same.

View detailed comparison (IPC 270 vs BNS 272) →

FAQs on Section 270 IPC

What does Section 270 IPC punish?▼

It punishes malignantly doing any act that is likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, where the person knows or has reason to believe that likelihood.

What is the punishment under Section 270 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

How does Section 270 IPC differ from Section 269 IPC?▼

Section 269 IPC punishes doing the act unlawfully or negligently with up to six months imprisonment. Section 270 IPC requires that the act be done malignantly and raises the punishment to two years imprisonment.

Is Section 270 IPC bailable?▼

Yes. Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, an offence under Section 270 IPC is bailable and cognizable.

Which court tries an offence under Section 270 IPC?▼

It is triable by any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 270 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 270 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 270 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is Section 272 BNS, in Chapter XV.

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

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·