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Introduction of BNS Section 279

BNS Section 279 focuses on protecting public water sources like springs and reservoirs. It penalizes anyone who intentionally contaminates or pollutes these water bodies, making them less fit for their ordinary use. This law ensures the safety and cleanliness of shared resources for public health and well-being.


The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 279 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 277.



What is BNS Section 279 ?

BNS Section 279 punishes anyone who voluntarily corrupts or pollutes the water of any public spring or reservoir, making it unsuitable for its normal purposes, such as drinking, bathing, or irrigation. This law aims to protect public resources and prevent harm caused by polluted water.


279 BNS : Penalizes intentional contamination of public water sources to ensure safety and cleanliness.
BNS Section 279 ensures the protection of public water sources from contamination and pollution.

BNS 279 in Simple Points

  1. Purpose of the Law
    • BNS Section 279 is designed to protect public springs and reservoirs from pollution.
    • These water sources are crucial for daily life, such as drinking, cooking, and farming.
    • The law ensures clean and safe water for public use.
  2. Intentional Pollution
    • The act of polluting the water must be intentional or voluntary.
    • For example, knowingly dumping garbage or chemicals into a reservoir falls under this offense.
    • Accidental contamination does not qualify as a violation under this section.
  3. Impact of Pollution
    • The law applies if the pollution makes the water unfit for its intended purposes.
    • Ordinary uses such as drinking, washing, or irrigation are safeguarded by this law.
    • Protecting water from harm ensures the community’s health and well-being.
  4. Legal Punishment
    • Offenders may face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
    • This penalty serves as a deterrent to individuals or organizations from polluting public water sources.
    • The punishment is proportionate to the harm caused by the offense.
  5. Legal Classification
    • Cognizable: Police can arrest and investigate the offender without prior approval.
    • Bailable: The accused can secure bail and avoid detention while awaiting trial.
    • Non-compoundable: The case cannot be settled privately between the offender and affected parties and requires judicial proceedings.

Section 279 BNS Overview

BNS Section 279 deals with the act of corrupting or polluting water in public springs or reservoirs. If someone intentionally makes the water less suitable for its ordinary use, they can be punished under this law to protect public health and safety.

Key Points of BNS Section 279

  1. Protection of Public Water Sources
    • This section aims to safeguard public water sources like springs and reservoirs.
    • It ensures that these vital resources remain safe and usable for their intended purposes, such as drinking, bathing, or irrigation.
  2. Intentional Fouling of Water
    • The act of polluting water must be done voluntarily or with intent.
    • Accidental or unintended actions are not covered under this provision.
    • Examples include dumping waste or releasing harmful chemicals into public water sources.
  3. Impact on Public Usage
    • The law applies when the fouling renders the water less fit for its normal use.
    • It protects the community from potential health hazards caused by contaminated water.
    • Ensuring the purity of public water is critical for community well-being.
  4. Punishment for Offenders
    • A person guilty of this offense can face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
    • The penalty serves as a deterrent to prevent individuals from polluting public water.
    • It also ensures accountability for actions that harm public resources.
  5. Legal Classification
    • Cognizable: Police can arrest the offender and initiate an investigation without prior approval from a magistrate.
    • Bailable: The accused can obtain bail and avoid detention during the trial.
    • Triable by any magistrate: Ensures prompt judicial proceedings for cases under this section.
  6. Preservation of Public Resources
    • The law encourages individuals to respect and preserve public water sources.
    • It supports environmental sustainability by discouraging pollution.
    • Communities can depend on clean water for their everyday needs.
  7. Focus on Intent
    • Proving the offender’s intention to corrupt or foul the water is essential.
    • Actions done knowingly and deliberately are penalized under this section.
    • This focuses the law on preventing intentional harm.
  8. Scope of the Law
    • The section covers all public springs and reservoirs used by the community.
    • This includes both urban and rural water sources that serve the public.
    • It applies regardless of the size or location of the water source.
  9. Non-Compoundable Nature
    • The offense is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled between the offender and the affected parties.
    • A legal trial is necessary to ensure justice is served.
    • This protects the public interest and holds offenders accountable.
  10. Encouragement of Clean Practices
  • By penalizing offenders, the law promotes responsible behavior towards public water sources.
  • It encourages individuals and organizations to avoid polluting activities.
  • This fosters a sense of community responsibility for shared resources.

Examples of BNS Section 279

  1. Example 1:
    A factory owner knowingly releases untreated chemical waste into a nearby public reservoir. This action contaminates the water, making it unfit for drinking and irrigation. The factory owner can be punished under BNS Section 279.
  2. Example 2:
    A group of individuals dumps garbage and sewage into a village’s public spring, causing health issues in the community. The individuals can be prosecuted under this section.

BNS 279 Punishment

  1. Imprisonment for a term of up to six months.
  2. Fine of up to ₹5,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

279 BNS Punishment : includes imprisonment up to six months or a fine of ₹5,000, or both.
279 BNS Punishment: Up to 6 months imprisonment or ₹5,000 fine.

BNS 279 bailable or not ?

BNS Section 279 is bailable, meaning the accused can secure bail and avoid prolonged detention during the legal process.


Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 279

BNS SectionOffensePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableTrial by
279Fouling water of a public spring or reservoirImprisonment up to 6 months, or fine of ₹5,000, or bothBailableCognizableAny Magistrate
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 279

BNS Section 279 FAQs

What is BNS Section 279 about?

What actions are considered offenses under BNS Section 279?

Actions like dumping garbage, releasing industrial waste, or pouring harmful chemicals into public water sources are considered offenses under this section.

What is the punishment for violating BNS Section 279?

Is BNS Section 279 a bailable offense?

Is BNS Section 279 a cognizable offense?

Who can try cases under BNS Section 279?


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