Introduction of BNS Section 274
BNS Section 274 deals with the act of adulterating food or drinks that are meant for sale. It targets individuals who knowingly or intentionally make food or drink harmful to health, intending to sell it or knowing it might be sold. This section ensures public health and safety by punishing such actions.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 274 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 272.
- Introduction of BNS Section 274
- What is BNS Section 274 ?
- BNS 274 in Simple Points
- Section 274 BNS Overview
- BNS 274 Punishment
- BNS 274 bailable or not ?
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 274
- BNS Section 274 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is BNS Section 274 ?
BNS Section 274, adulteration of any food or drink to make it harmful (noxious) for consumption, with the intention to sell it or with the knowledge that it could be sold, is an offense punishable by law.

BNS 274 in Simple Points
- Adulteration of Food or Drink:
Adulteration refers to altering the natural composition of food or beverages, making them harmful for human consumption. This includes adding harmful substances like chemicals or toxins or removing essential nutrients. For example, mixing harmful synthetic milk with real milk constitutes adulteration. The offense aims to protect consumers from consuming products that could damage their health. Adulteration undermines public trust in food safety and poses serious health risks. - Intent to Sell Adulterated Items:
The law targets individuals who adulterate food or drink with the intent to sell it. Even if they do not directly sell the product but knowingly supply it for sale, they can be held accountable. For instance, a supplier who knowingly distributes substandard cooking oil to retailers violates this section. The emphasis on intent ensures that accidental contamination does not result in punishment under this law. This provision holds businesses accountable for knowingly compromising safety. - Harm to Public Health:
Adulterated food and drink often contain harmful substances that can cause both immediate and long-term health issues. For instance, food laced with toxic preservatives can lead to food poisoning, organ damage, or chronic illnesses. BNS Section 274 highlights the potential dangers of such acts, reinforcing the need for stringent quality checks. By criminalizing adulteration, the law seeks to reduce public exposure to harmful products and promote a safer food supply chain. - Punishment as a Deterrent:
The punishment for adulterating food or drink is imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of ₹5,000, or both. This dual penalty structure ensures accountability while acting as a deterrent against such offenses. The fine and jail term reflect the seriousness of the crime, prioritizing public health over commercial interests. By penalizing offenders, the law encourages compliance with food safety standards and discourages malpractice. - Legal Classification:
BNS Section 274 classifies adulteration of food or drink as a non-cognizable, bailable, and non-compoundable offense. Police require prior approval from a Magistrate to investigate the matter, ensuring judicial oversight. Being bailable allows the accused to secure bail, but as a non-compoundable offense, it cannot be settled privately. These legal classifications balance individual rights with the public interest in addressing food safety violations.
Section 274 BNS Overview
BNS Section 274 deals with the offense of adulterating food or beverages intended for sale, making them harmful for consumption. It aims to ensure consumer safety by penalizing those who knowingly or intentionally compromise the quality of food or drink.
10 Key Points of BNS Section 274
- Adulteration Defined:
Adulteration refers to altering the natural composition of food or drink by adding harmful substances or removing essential components. This act makes the food unsafe for consumption and poses risks to public health. For instance, adding harmful chemicals to milk to increase its quantity violates this section. - Intentional Act:
The law applies when the adulteration is done knowingly or with the intention of selling the product. For example, if a manufacturer knowingly uses unsafe preservatives in packaged snacks, they can be held liable under this section. Intent is a critical element of the offense. - Likely Sale of Adulterated Food:
Even if the adulterator does not directly sell the product but knows it is likely to be sold, the offense is committed. For example, a supplier providing contaminated wheat to bakeries, knowing it will be used for bread production, can face charges. - Harmful Effects on Health:
The section focuses on adulteration that renders the food or drink noxious, meaning harmful to health. This includes substances that cause immediate harm, like food poisoning, or long-term effects, such as exposure to toxic chemicals. - Consumer Protection Focus:
BNS Section 274 safeguards the rights of consumers by ensuring that food and beverages meet safety standards. It promotes accountability among food producers, sellers, and distributors, ensuring they prioritize consumer well-being. - Punishment as a Deterrent:
The law prescribes imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of ₹5,000, or both, for offenders. This dual approach of punitive and financial penalties serves as a deterrent against adulteration practices. - Non-Cognizable Offense:
This offense is classified as non-cognizable, meaning police cannot investigate it without prior approval from a Magistrate. This ensures judicial oversight in prosecuting such cases. - Bailable Offense:
Section 274 is bailable, allowing the accused to obtain bail. This provision ensures that while offenders face justice, they are not unduly detained during legal proceedings. - Triable by Any Magistrate:
Cases under this section are triable by any Magistrate, making it easier to address these offenses at the local judicial level. It facilitates swift and accessible justice for food safety violations. - Non-Compoundable Offense:
This offense is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled out of court. The law emphasizes that food safety is a public concern and not a private dispute that can be resolved between parties.
Examples of BNS Section 274
- Example 1:
A dairy supplier mixes water with milk to increase quantity but also adds harmful chemicals to preserve it. This makes the milk unsafe for consumption. The supplier can be punished under BNS Section 274. - Example 2:
A vendor knowingly sells spices mixed with inedible coloring agents to make them appear fresh and vibrant. The addition of harmful substances endangers health, making it an offense under this section.
BNS 274 Punishment
- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months.
- Fine: Up to ₹5,000, or both imprisonment and fine

BNS 274 bailable or not ?
This offense is bailable, meaning the accused has the right to seek bail.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 274
BNS Section | Offense | Punishment | Bailable/Non-Bailable | Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Trial by |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
274 | Adulterating food or drink intended for sale | Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine of ₹5,000, or both | Bailable | Non-Cognizable | Any Magistrate |
BNS Section 274 FAQs
What does BNS Section 274 prohibit?
It prohibits adulterating food or drink to make it harmful and then selling or intending to sell it.
What is the maximum punishment under this BNS section 274?
The maximum punishment is 6 months imprisonment, a fine of ₹5,000, or both.
Is this BNS 274 offense bailable?
Yes, BNS Section 274 is a bailable offense.
If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Court or any other marriage-related issues, our https://marriagesolution.in/lawyer-help-1/ website may prove helpful. By completing our enquiry form and submitting it online, we can provide customized guidance to navigate through the process.
Right to Information RTI act :Your Comprehensive Guide (Part 1)
Explore the essence of the Right to Information (RTI) Act through this symbolic image. The image features legal documents, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The scales of justice represent the balance achieved through the citizens’ right…
What is Article 371 of Indian Constitution ?
Article 371 of the Indian Constitution grants special provisions to specific states and regions within India, addressing their unique historical, social, and cultural circumstances. These provisions aim to accommodate diverse needs and protect cultural identities within the constitutional framework.
Indian Labour law : Your Comprehensive Guide (Part 1)
The purpose of labour laws is to safeguard employees and guarantee equitable treatment at the workplace, encompassing aspects such as remuneration, security, and perks. These regulations establish a secure ambiance by imposing minimum wage requirements, ensuring factory safety measures are…
GST :Your Comprehensive Guide (Part 1 – Understanding the Basics)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is like a big change in how we pay taxes in India. It started on July 1, 2017, and it’s here to simplify things. Before GST, we had many different taxes, and it could…