IPC Section 268: Public nuisance
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 14: Offences affecting the Public health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶A person is guilty of a public nuisance who does not act or is guilty of an illegal omission which causes any common injury, danger or annoyance to the public or to the people in general who dwell or occupy property in the vicinity, or which must necessarily cause injury, obstruction, danger or annoyance to persons who may have occasion to use any public right.
¶A common nuisance is not excused on the ground that it causes some convenience or advantage.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 270 (same provision). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p16
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 269. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- 270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- 271. Disobedience to quarantine rule
- 272. Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale
- 273. Sale of noxious food or drink
- 274. Adulteration of drugs
- 275. Sale of adulterated drugs
- 276. Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
- 277. Fouling water of public spring or reservoir
- 278. Making atmosphere noxious to health
- 279. Rash driving or riding on a public way
- 280. Rash navigation of vessel
- 281. Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy
- 282. Conveying person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessel
- 283. Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation
- 284. Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance
- 285. Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter
- 286. Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance
- 287. Negligent conduct with respect to machinery
- 288. Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings
- 289. Negligent conduct with respect to animal
- 290. Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
- 291. Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue
- 292. Sale, etc., or obscene books, etc
- 293. Sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person
- 294. Obscene acts and songs
- 294A. Keeping lottery office