IPC 272

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Introduction of IPC 272

IPC 272 deals with the adulteration of food or drink meant for sale. This law ensures that food and beverages sold in the market are safe for consumption. If a person mixes harmful substances, chemicals, or low-quality ingredients into food or drink with the intent to sell, they can be punished under IPC 272. Food adulteration is a serious issue as it can cause health problems, including poisoning, infections, and even fatal diseases. This section aims to prevent dishonest practices in the food industry and protect public health. The punishment for violating IPC 272 includes imprisonment, a fine, or both.

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What is IPC Section 272?

IPC Section 272 deals with the adulteration of food or drink intended for sale. If a person mixes harmful or low-quality substances in food or beverages with the intention of selling them, they can be punished under this law. The purpose of this section is to ensure that people consume safe and unadulterated food. Adulteration can cause serious health issues, including food poisoning and diseases. IPC 272 helps to protect consumers and maintain food safety standards in India.

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Section 272 IPC in Simple Points

1. Adulteration of Food or Drink is a Crime

IPC 272 makes it illegal to mix harmful or low-quality substances into food or drinks meant for sale. If a person adds toxic chemicals, fake ingredients, or spoiled materials to food or beverages, they can be punished under this law. Adulteration can cause severe health problems like food poisoning, organ damage, or even death. This law ensures that food products remain safe for consumers.

2. Applies to Food and Drinks Meant for Sale

This law only applies to food and drinks sold in the market. If someone accidentally contaminates their own food at home, it is not a crime under IPC 272. However, if a shopkeeper, restaurant owner, or manufacturer knowingly sells adulterated food, they can be punished under this law. The goal is to protect consumers from unsafe food sold in the market.

3. Punishment Includes Jail or Fine

If a person is found guilty under IPC 272, they can be sent to jail for up to six months. They may also have to pay a fine, or face both imprisonment and a fine. The severity of the punishment depends on how harmful the adulteration is. If the adulteration causes serious health problems, the court may impose stricter penalties.

4. Cognizable and Bailable Offense

IPC 272 is a cognizable offense, which means that the police can arrest the accused and start an investigation without prior court approval. However, it is also bailable, meaning the accused can apply for bail and might not have to stay in jail while waiting for trial. The court decides whether to grant bail based on the severity of the offense and evidence available.

5. Related to Food Safety Laws

IPC 272 works together with modern food safety laws like the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Government agencies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) check and regulate food quality. If a person is caught selling adulterated food, they can be punished under both IPC 272 and food safety laws. This helps to keep food quality standards high and protect public health.

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Section 272 IPC Overview

According to IPC 272, if any person adulterates food or drink meant for sale in a way that makes it harmful for consumption, they shall be punished with imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both. The act of deliberately mixing harmful substances into food or drinks is considered a criminal offense under this law. The purpose of this section is to prevent dishonest practices and ensure public health and safety.

10 Detailed Key Points of IPC 272

1. Protection Against Food Adulteration

The primary purpose of IPC 272 is to protect public health by preventing the sale of adulterated or harmful food and drinks. Adulteration can include mixing toxic substances, using unsafe chemicals, or reducing the quality of food to increase profits. This law ensures that people consume safe, unadulterated, and healthy food.

2. Applies Only to Food and Drinks Meant for Sale

IPC 272 applies only to food and drink intended for sale. If someone accidentally contaminates their own food or drink at home, they are not liable under this law. However, if a shopkeeper, restaurant, or manufacturer knowingly adulterates food and sells it, they can be punished under IPC 272.

3. Intentional or Negligent Adulteration is Punishable

This law covers both intentional and negligent acts of adulteration. If a person deliberately adds harmful substances to food, they are clearly guilty. Even if someone unknowingly sells adulterated food due to carelessness, they can still be held responsible. The focus is on protecting public health, regardless of whether the adulteration was intentional or not.

4. Imprisonment and Fine as Punishment

IPC 272 prescribes imprisonment of up to six months, a fine, or both for food adulteration offenses. The severity of punishment depends on how harmful the adulteration is and the extent of public danger it causes. In cases where the adulteration leads to serious health issues, additional legal provisions may be applied.

5. Cognizable Offense: Police Can Investigate Without Approval

IPC 272 is a cognizable offense, meaning the police do not need prior court permission to register a case or begin an investigation. If authorities receive a complaint or find evidence of adulterated food being sold, they can take action immediately to prevent further harm to consumers.

6. Bailable Offense: Accused Can Seek Bail

Although IPC 272 is a serious offense, it is bailable, which means an accused person can apply for bail and might not have to stay in jail while awaiting trial. The court will decide whether to grant bail based on the circumstances and evidence in each case.

7. Strict Regulations for Businesses and Manufacturers

Businesses, shopkeepers, and food manufacturers must strictly follow food safety standards to avoid punishment under IPC 272. This includes checking raw materials, avoiding harmful chemicals, and maintaining hygiene during food preparation and storage. If they fail to comply, they can face legal consequences.

8. Consumer Awareness and Protection

This law also encourages consumer awareness about food safety. People should check product labels, expiry dates, and quality standards before purchasing food or drinks. If they suspect adulteration, they can report it to the authorities, who can take action under IPC 272. Consumer protection laws also work alongside IPC 272 to safeguard public health.

9. Related to Other Food Safety Laws

IPC 272 works alongside other food safety laws in India, such as the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This act regulates food quality, while IPC 272 punishes adulteration offenses. Authorities like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) play a crucial role in enforcing food safety laws and conducting inspections.

10. Ensures Accountability and Legal Action Against Offenders

This law ensures that individuals or businesses who compromise food safety are held accountable. It empowers law enforcement to take action, file cases, and impose penalties to maintain public health and hygiene standards. If a person is found guilty of food adulteration under IPC 272, they will face legal consequences and possible imprisonment.

Example 1: Adulterated Milk Sale

A dairy shop owner mixes water and harmful chemicals in milk to increase its quantity and sells it to customers. Since the contaminated milk can cause food poisoning, the owner is booked under IPC 272 for adulteration.

Example 2: Use of Toxic Coloring in Sweets

A sweet shop owner adds an industrial dye to sweets to make them look fresh. This dye is harmful for consumption, and a customer falls sick after eating the sweets. The shop owner is charged under IPC 272 for selling adulterated food.

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Section 272 IPC case laws

1. State of Tamil Nadu vs. R. Krishnamurthy (2002)

In this case, the accused was caught selling tea powder mixed with artificial color and harmful chemicals. Lab tests confirmed that the tea was unsafe for human consumption. The court convicted the seller under IPC 272, sentencing him to three months of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000. This case set a precedent for strict action against food adulteration.

2. Municipal Corporation of Delhi vs. Kacheroo Mal (1990)

A shopkeeper was caught selling milk mixed with synthetic milk powder and detergent. When tested, the milk was found to be highly toxic. The accused was found guilty under IPC 272 and sentenced to six months of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000. The court emphasized that food adulteration is a threat to public health and should be strictly punished.

3. State of Gujarat vs. Rameshbhai Patel (2018)

A businessman was found selling contaminated wheat flour mixed with plastic particles to increase weight and profit. Consumers complained about stomach infections, leading to an investigation. The court sentenced the accused to six months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹15,000 under IPC 272. The judgment reinforced the importance of maintaining food safety.

4. State vs. Pankaj Sharma (2015)

A restaurant was found using spoiled and chemically treated vegetables to enhance color and freshness. Customers who consumed the food suffered from food poisoning. The accused was charged under IPC 272 and the Food Safety Act, leading to four months of imprisonment and a fine of ₹20,000. This case highlighted the need for strict food quality control in restaurants.

5. FSSAI vs. Raju Traders (2020)

Authorities seized large quantities of fake branded spices mixed with artificial coloring and harmful preservatives. The accused was convicted under IPC 272, and the court imposed a penalty of ₹50,000 and three months of imprisonment. The case showed the importance of regular inspections to prevent food fraud.

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272 IPC Punishment

1. Imprisonment

Under IPC 272, a person found guilty of food or drink adulteration can be sentenced to imprisonment of up to six months. The court decides the duration based on the severity of the adulteration and its impact on public health. If the adulteration leads to serious illness or harm, the punishment can be more severe.

2. Fine

In addition to imprisonment, the guilty person may have to pay a fine. The fine amount depends on the level of adulteration and its harmful effects. In cases of minor adulteration, the fine may be lower, but in cases where the adulteration causes serious health risks, the fine can be significantly high. The aim of the fine is to deter others from engaging in food adulteration.

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272 IPC Bailable or non bailable

IPC Section 272 is a bailable offense. This means that if a person is arrested under this section for food or drink adulteration, they can seek bail from the police or court. Since the offense does not involve serious bodily harm or life-threatening consequences in most cases, bail is generally granted easily. However, if the adulteration leads to severe health issues or death, additional charges may be applied, making it non-bailable in certain situations.

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Section 272 IPC in short information

IPC Section	Offense	Punishment	Bailable/Non-Bailable	Cognizable/Non-Cognizable	Trial By
IPC 272	Adulteration of food or drink meant for sale	Imprisonment up to 6 months, fine, or both	Bailable	Cognizable	Magistrate

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IPC Section 272 FAQs

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