BNS §276
Adulteration of drugs
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Comparison
274. Adulteration of drugs.—Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make it noxious, intending that it shall be sold or used for, or knowing it to be likely that it will be sold or used for, any medicinal purpose, as if it had not undergone such adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make it noxious, intending that it shall be sold or used for, or knowing it to be likely that it will be sold or used for, any medicinal purpose, as if it had not undergone such adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 274 preserved as BNS 276 with imprisonment ceiling doubled and fine cap raised 5x.
Old position
IPC 274 is concerned with Adulteration of drugs. 8. Adulteration of drugs
New position
BNS 276 modifies the framework. Topic: Adulteration of drugs. Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make it noxious, intending that it shall be sold or used for, or knowing it
BNS 276 modifies IPC 274. IPC 274 preserved as BNS 276 with imprisonment ceiling doubled and fine cap raised 5x. BNS 276 text: Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS-276 reproduces IPC-274's framework on adulteration of drugs character-identically. Historical-amendment brackets are incorporated as plain text. Punishment levels are preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 274 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 276 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 276 (Adulteration of drugs). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §274 → BNS §276 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/bns/276.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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