IPC 273

---

Introduction of IPC 273

IPC Section 273 deals with the sale of noxious food or drink, meaning food or beverages that are unfit for human consumption. This law ensures that individuals or businesses do not sell contaminated, expired, or harmful food that could pose health risks to consumers. The section applies to cases where a person knowingly or negligently sells or offers such items for sale, endangering public health.

---

---

What is IPC Section 273?

IPC Section 273 deals with the sale of noxious (harmful) food or drink. It states that if a person sells or offers to sell any food or drink that has become spoiled, contaminated, or unfit for consumption, knowing that it is unsafe, they can be punished by law. This section aims to protect public health by ensuring that food and drinks sold to people are safe and fit for consumption.

---

Section 273 IPC in Simple Points

1. Purpose of IPC 273 – Protecting Public Health

The main goal of IPC Section 273 is to protect people from consuming harmful food or drinks. This law ensures that food sellers do not sell spoiled, contaminated, or unfit food that could cause serious health issues. It applies to restaurants, grocery stores, street vendors, and even packaged food manufacturers. Selling unsafe food is a serious offense as it can lead to food poisoning, infections, and other health hazards.

2. What is Considered “Noxious” Food or Drink?

“Noxious” means anything that is harmful, toxic, or unfit for human consumption. Food or drinks become noxious if they:

• Are expired, spoiled, or rotten.
• Contain harmful chemicals or toxic substances.
• Are prepared in extremely unhygienic conditions.
• Have artificial coloring or preservatives beyond safe limits.
  Even if the food looks normal but is unsafe, it is covered under IPC 273.

3. Who Can Be Punished Under IPC 273?

Anyone who sells, offers, or displays noxious food or drink for sale can be punished under IPC 273. This includes:

• Shopkeepers selling expired or spoiled food.
• Street vendors selling unhygienic food.
• Restaurants serving unsafe meals.
• Packaged food manufacturers using harmful ingredients.
  The law applies to all food businesses to ensure public safety.

4. Punishment Under IPC 273

If a person is found guilty under IPC 273, they can face:

• Imprisonment – Up to six months in jail.
• Fine – Up to ₹1,000.
• Both – In some cases, the court may give both jail time and a fine.
  This punishment ensures that food sellers take responsibility for selling safe food to the public.

5. IPC 273 is a Bailable and Non-Cognizable Offense

• Bailable – The accused can apply for bail and be released while the case is being investigated.
• Non-Cognizable – Police cannot arrest the accused without court approval.
  Since the offense involves public health, the law is strict but allows for legal defense if the seller was unaware of the food being unsafe.

---

Section 273 IPC Overview

IPC Section 273 punishes those who sell, offer, or expose for sale any food or drink that is harmful or unfit for human consumption. If a person knows or has reason to believe that the food or drink is harmful and still sells it, they can face legal consequences.

10 Key Points on IPC 273 (Very Detailed, 8-Line Each)

1. Purpose of IPC 273 – Protecting Public Health

IPC Section 273 is meant to protect public health by ensuring that the food and drinks sold to people are safe and fit for consumption. If anyone sells, offers, or exposes for sale any harmful or unfit food or drink, knowing that it is unsafe, they can be punished under this law. This law prevents businesses from selling spoiled, toxic, or dangerous food that could harm consumers.

2. What is “Noxious” Food or Drink?

The word “noxious” means anything that is harmful, toxic, or dangerous for health. This can include food that is spoiled, rotten, expired, chemically contaminated, or prepared in unhygienic conditions. Even if the food looks normal but contains harmful substances, it can be considered noxious under IPC 273.

3. Selling, Offering, or Exposing for Sale – What It Means

A person doesn’t have to physically sell the food to be guilty under IPC 273. Even if they offer to sell it or simply display noxious food for sale in a shop or stall, they can be held legally responsible. This means that restaurants, food vendors, grocery stores, and packaged food sellers must ensure that their products are safe before selling.

4. Knowledge or Awareness is Important for Punishment

To be punished under IPC 273, the person must know or have reason to believe that the food or drink they are selling is harmful or unfit for consumption. If a shopkeeper accidentally sells expired food without knowing, they may not be punished unless it is proven that they were careless or negligent.

5. Punishment Under IPC 273

If a person is found guilty under IPC 273, they can face:

• Imprisonment – Up to six months in jail.
• Fine – Up to ₹1,000.
• Both – In some cases, the court may impose both jail time and a fine, depending on the severity of the offense.

6. IPC 273 is a Bailable and Non-Cognizable Offense

IPC 273 is a bailable offense, which means that if a person is arrested for selling noxious food, they can apply for bail and be released while the case is ongoing. It is also a non-cognizable offense, meaning the police cannot arrest the accused without prior approval from the court.

7. IPC 273 Applies to All Types of Food Businesses

This law applies to anyone involved in the sale of food and drinks, including:

• Restaurants and hotels
• Street food vendors and hawkers
• Grocery stores and supermarkets
• Packaged food manufacturers
• Online food delivery services
  If any of these businesses sell harmful or spoiled food knowingly, they can be punished under IPC 273.

8. Connection with Other Food Safety Laws

IPC 273 works alongside modern food safety laws like the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. While IPC 273 focuses on punishing sellers, the FSSA regulates food safety, hygiene, and quality standards. Violations under IPC 273 can also lead to penalties under FSSA for businesses.

9. How to Prove Guilt Under IPC 273?

For a person to be punished under IPC 273, the court needs proof that:

1. The food or drink was harmful, spoiled, or unfit for consumption.
2. The accused knew or had reason to believe that the food was unsafe.
3. The food or drink was sold, offered, or displayed for sale.
   Evidence like lab tests, customer complaints, food inspection reports, and witness statements can help prove the offense.

10. How Can Consumers Report Violations of IPC 273?

If someone finds a shop, restaurant, or vendor selling harmful food, they can:

• File a police complaint under IPC 273.
• Report it to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• Complain to local municipal health departments.
• Approach consumer courts for action against the seller.
  Authorities can then investigate, test the food, and take action against the offender.

Example 1: Selling Expired Soft Drinks

A grocery store was found selling expired soft drinks, and many customers complained about stomach infections after consuming them. A health inspector conducted a surprise check and seized multiple expired bottles from the store. The shop owner was charged under IPC 273 for selling noxious drinks that were unsafe for consumption.

Example 2: Contaminated Street Food

A street vendor was caught selling stale and unhygienic food, which led to food poisoning cases among customers. Upon investigation, it was found that the vendor did not store food properly, leading to bacterial contamination. He was booked under IPC 273 and fined for endangering public health.

---

Section 273 IPC case laws

1. Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Kacheroo Mal (1975)

Case Summary:
A food inspector collected a sample of milk from a vendor, which was found to be adulterated with harmful substances. The vendor argued that he was unaware of the contamination.

Result:
The court held the vendor guilty under IPC 273, stating that lack of knowledge is not an excuse. He was fined and sentenced to three months of imprisonment.

2. State of Gujarat v. Narsinghbhai Patel (1998)

Case Summary:
A bakery was selling bread with toxic chemicals, which made several people sick. The health department tested the samples and found them unfit for human consumption.

Result:
The bakery owner was found guilty under IPC 273. The court imposed a fine and six months of imprisonment, stating that selling unsafe food is a threat to public health.

3. State of Maharashtra v. Madanlal (2011)

Case Summary:
A famous sweets shop was found selling spoiled sweets during the festive season. Many customers suffered from food poisoning, leading to a legal complaint.

Result:
The court ruled that selling unhygienic food knowingly is a punishable offense. The shop owner was fined ₹10,000 and sentenced to one month in jail.

4. Food Inspector v. Chhotelal (2003)

Case Summary:
A street vendor was caught selling stale meat, which was found to be harmful for human health. The vendor claimed that he was not aware of the food quality.

Result:
The court rejected the argument, stating that all food sellers must ensure the safety of what they sell. He was sentenced to three months of imprisonment and a fine.

5. State v. Ramesh Kumar (2019)

Case Summary:
A grocery store was selling expired packaged food without proper labeling. A customer filed a complaint after falling sick from consuming a spoiled juice packet.

Result:
The store owner was found guilty under IPC 273 and was given a fine of ₹5,000. The court warned that food sellers must take responsibility for the safety of their products.

---

273 IPC Punishment

Imprisonment – The offender may be jailed for up to six months.

Fine – A fine of up to one thousand rupees may be imposed.

Both – In some cases, both imprisonment and fine can be applied, depending on the seriousness of the offense.

---

---

273 IPC Bailable or non bailable

IPC 273 is a bailable offense. This means that a person accused under this section can apply for bail and be released from custody while the case is being processed.

---

Section 273 IPC in short information

IPC Section	Offense	Punishment	Bailable/Non-Bailable	Cognizable/Non-Cognizable	Trial By
IPC 273	Sale of noxious or unfit food or drink	Up to 6 months of imprisonment or fine up to ₹1,000, or both	Bailable	Non-Cognizable	Magistrate

---

IPC Section 273 FAQs

---

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.

---