Introduction of BNS Section 271
BNS Section 271 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita focuses on negligent acts that could spread infectious diseases dangerous to life. This law holds individuals, hospitals, and institutions accountable for careless or unlawful behavior that risks public health. Whether it’s ignoring quarantine rules, disposing of medical waste irresponsibly, or attending gatherings while knowingly infected, this section ensures that such negligence does not go unpunished. By replacing IPC Section 269, it strengthens India’s legal framework to safeguard communities against life-threatening diseases.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 271 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 269.
What is BNS Section 271 ?
BNS Section 271 deals with unlawful or negligent actions likely to spread dangerous diseases. It penalizes individuals whose actions—either knowingly or carelessly—could spread infections that pose a threat to human life. The section ensures accountability for actions that endanger public health.
Under Section 271 of the bns act 2023
“Whoever unlawfully or negligently 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 which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.”
1. Meaning of the Provision
BNS Section 271 ensures accountability for individuals who act carelessly or unlawfully in a way that could spread infectious diseases that threaten human life. It recognizes that even one negligent act (like ignoring health guidelines, dumping medical waste, or exposing others while knowingly infected) can endanger an entire community.
In simple words: If your actions risk spreading a dangerous disease, you can be punished.
2. Who is Covered?
This section applies broadly to:
- Individuals → e.g., a COVID-positive person attending public events knowingly.
- Hospitals/Healthcare Workers → e.g., negligent disposal of infected syringes or bio-medical waste.
- Businesses/Factories → e.g., dumping untreated infectious chemicals or waste in public areas.
- Authorities → e.g., failing to follow prescribed protocols during an epidemic, thereby causing spread.
3. Essential Ingredients
To convict a person under BNS Section 271, the prosecution must prove:
- Act or Omission: There was an unlawful or negligent act (e.g., knowingly exposing others).
- Dangerous Disease: The act was likely to spread a disease dangerous to life.
- Knowledge/Belief: The offender knew or had reason to believe that their act could spread the disease.
- Public Risk: The action posed a danger to public health, not just individuals.
Honest mistakes or lack of knowledge of infection may not be punishable, but clear negligence or recklessness is.
4. Examples of Offences Under BNS 271
- Negligent Medical Waste Disposal: A hospital throws infected syringes in open drains, causing risk to local residents.
- Knowingly Attending Gatherings: An infected person joins a wedding, despite being under medical advice to isolate.
- Unlawful Business Practices: A factory releases untreated biomedical waste into a river.
- Breaking Quarantine: A person, directed by health authorities to remain quarantined, intentionally breaks rules.
5. Punishment under BNS Section 271
- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months.
- Fine: Can be imposed separately or with imprisonment.
- Both: In serious cases, courts may impose both penalties.
6. Legal Classification
- Cognizable: Yes. Police can register a case and arrest without prior court approval.
- Bailable: Yes. The accused has the right to apply for bail.
- Non-Compoundable: The offence cannot be settled between the accused and complainant.
- Triable by: Any Magistrate.
7. Importance of BNS Section 271
- Protects public health during epidemics and pandemics.
- Ensures responsible behavior in society.
- Holds individuals, hospitals, and businesses accountable.
- Acts as a deterrent against careless conduct that risks lives.
- Balances individual freedom with collective safety.
Section 271 BNS Overview
Section 271 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) punishes anyone who unlawfully or negligently engages in actions that are likely to spread infections of diseases that are dangerous to human life.
BNS Section 271: 10 Key Points
- Scope of Negligent Acts
This section applies to acts performed negligently or unlawfully that have the potential to spread diseases dangerous to human life. The term “negligent” includes careless actions, while “unlawful” refers to activities that are illegal in nature. - Knowledge or Belief
A person is covered under this law if they know or have reason to believe their action could likely spread the infection. Ignorance or lack of knowledge is not a valid defense if the person should reasonably have known the consequences. - Impact on Public Health
The primary focus of this section is to protect public health from avoidable risks caused by negligent or unlawful acts. It emphasizes the need for individual responsibility in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. - Punishment Criteria
The section prescribes a maximum imprisonment term of six months, a fine, or both. The court decides the severity of the punishment based on the nature and impact of the offence. - Cognizability
Offences under this section are cognizable, meaning the police can register a case and arrest the offender without prior approval from the court. - Bailability
The offence is bailable, allowing the accused to secure bail and avoid pre-trial detention. - Non-compoundable Nature
The offence is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled between the complainant and the accused. This ensures that public health concerns take precedence over private agreements. - Trial Procedure
Cases under this section are triable by any Magistrate, making it accessible for quick legal action in local courts. - Legal Obligation
The section creates a legal obligation for individuals to act responsibly and avoid spreading diseases. It aims to enforce preventive behavior during epidemics or pandemics. - Purpose of the Law
The law ensures that people take reasonable care to prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases, especially in a densely populated country like India, where such negligence can have severe consequences.
Two Examples of BNS Section 271
- Example 1: Negligent Handling of a COVID-19 Patient
A person, aware that they tested positive for COVID-19, attends a crowded event without taking precautions. Their actions risk spreading the virus to many others, leading to this section’s applicability. - Example 2: Unlawful Dumping of Infectious Medical Waste
A hospital disposes of used syringes and infected materials in an open area, exposing nearby residents to dangerous infections. This act falls under Section 271 for negligently spreading disease.
BNS 271 Punishment
- Imprisonment: Up to six months.
- Fine: Can be imposed alone or in addition to imprisonment.
BNS 271 bailable or not ?
Yes, BNS Section 271 is bailable. This means the accused has the legal right to apply for bail, which can be granted by the authorities without requiring prolonged detention.
Comparison – BNS 271 vs IPC 269
| Section | What it Means | Punishment / Consequence | Bailable | Cognizable | Trial By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNS Section 271 | Covers negligent or unlawful acts that are likely to spread infectious diseases dangerous to life. Expands liability to individuals, hospitals, and institutions for public health negligence. | Punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both. Ensures accountability for acts endangering community health. | Bailable | Cognizable | Any Magistrate |
| IPC Section 269 (Old) | Punished negligent or unlawful acts likely to spread infectious diseases. Focused mainly on individual negligence without covering institutions. | Punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both. Lacked clarity for modern health and institutional accountability. | Bailable | Cognizable | Any Magistrate |
| Key Difference: BNS Section 271 modernizes IPC Section 269 by expanding scope to include hospitals, authorities, and organizations. It strengthens accountability for negligent acts that endanger public health during epidemics or pandemics. | |||||
BNS Section 271 FAQs
What is covered under BNS Section 271?
This section addresses negligent or unlawful acts that could spread dangerous infections.
What is the punishment for such acts?
The punishment includes imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both.
BNS 271 offence bailable?
Yes, offences under Section 271 are bailable.
Who tries cases under this BNS Section 271 ?
Any Magistrate can try cases under this section.
Conclusion
BNS Section 271 is an essential safeguard for public health and safety. It ensures that no one’s negligence—whether an individual, hospital, or authority—endangers the lives of others. By criminalizing careless actions likely to spread infections, this section promotes responsibility, accountability, and respect for collective well-being. In today’s world, where outbreaks and pandemics can spread rapidly, this law serves as a strong reminder: public safety must always come first.
Need Legal Support?
If you are dealing with court cases, marriage problems, or any other legal issue, our team at Marriage Solution – Lawyer Help is here for you. Simply fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we’ll connect you with the right legal expert to support your needs.
Finished with BNS 271 ? Continue exploring the next provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Each section includes explanations, examples, and plain-language breakdowns for easy understanding.
- 272 BNS : Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.
- https://marriagesolution.in/bns_section/272-bns/
- 273 BNS : Disobedience to quarantine rule.
- https://marriagesolution.in/bns_section/273-bns/
- BNS 274 : Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale.
- https://marriagesolution.in/bns_section/bns-274/
- 275 BNS : Sale of noxious food or drink.
- https://marriagesolution.in/bns_section/275-bns/
- 276 BNS : Adulteration of drugs.
- https://marriagesolution.in/bns_section/276-bns/
Full IPC Section List: https://marriagesolution.in/ipc-section-list
All Indian Law & Blogs: https://marriagesolution.in/indian-law/
Full BNSS Section List: https://marriagesolution.in/bnss_section-list