Section 290 IPC: Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 290 IPC at a Glance
Section 290 IPC deals with punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 292 BNS.
None. The section prescribes fine only.
Section 290 IPC Bare Act Text
290. Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
Whoever commits a public nuisance in any case not otherwise punishable by this Code, shall be punished with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.
Source: Section 290, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 290 IPC in Simple Words
Section 290 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes whoever commits a public nuisance, as defined in Section 268 IPC, in any case not otherwise punishable by the Code. The offence is punishable with fine only, which may extend to two hundred rupees under the IPC. Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the offence is non-cognizable, bailable, and triable by any Magistrate.
Ingredients of Section 290 IPC
- Committing a public nuisance as defined in Section 268 IPC
- The act or omission is not otherwise punishable by the Code
Punishment Under Section 290 IPC
None. The section prescribes fine only.
Fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.
A public nuisance not otherwise punishable by the Code is punishable with fine only, which may extend to two hundred rupees.
Example of Section 290 IPC
When Section 290 IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 290 IPC does not apply when the act or omission causes inconvenience only to a single individual rather than common injury, danger, or annoyance to the public or people in general.
- Section 290 IPC does not apply if the conduct does not constitute a public nuisance under the Indian Penal Code.
- Section 290 IPC does not apply when the public nuisance is already made punishable by another specific provision of the Indian Penal Code.
Section 290 IPC in the BNS
Section 290 IPC is now covered under Section 292 BNS.
Section 290 IPC corresponds to Section 292 BNS. The phrase this Code has become this Sanhita. The offence remains punishable with fine only, with the maximum fine raised from two hundred rupees under Section 290 IPC to one thousand rupees under Section 292 BNS.
View detailed comparison (IPC 290 vs BNS 292) →FAQs on Section 290 IPC
What does Section 290 IPC punish?▼
Section 290 IPC punishes whoever commits a public nuisance, as defined in Section 268 IPC, in any case not otherwise punishable by the Code.
What is the punishment under Section 290 IPC?▼
The punishment under Section 290 IPC is fine only, which may extend to two hundred rupees.
What is the punishment under Section 292 BNS?▼
The punishment under Section 292 BNS is fine only, which may extend to one thousand rupees.
Does Section 290 IPC prescribe any term of imprisonment?▼
No. Neither Section 290 IPC nor Section 292 BNS prescribes imprisonment; both provisions provide for punishment by fine only.
Why is Section 290 IPC called a residuary section?▼
Section 290 IPC applies only where the public nuisance is not otherwise punishable by the Code. If a specific section covers and penalises that particular nuisance, the specific section applies instead of Section 290 IPC.
Is Section 290 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼
Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, an offence under Section 290 IPC is non-cognizable, bailable, and triable by any Magistrate.
Can an offence under Section 290 IPC be compounded?▼
No. Section 290 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·