BBanaka

IPC Section 272: Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale

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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

Whoever adulterates any article of food or drink, so as to make such article noxious as food or drink, intending to sell such article as food or drink, or knowing it to be likely that the same will be sold as food or drink, 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.

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE

Punishment-Imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both-Non-Cognizable-Bailable-Triable by any Magistrate-Non-compoundable.

STATE AMENDMENTS

Orissa

In section 272 for the words "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", the following shall be substituted, namely:-

"shall be punished with imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine:

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment which is less than imprisonment for life."

[Vide Orissa Act 3 of 1999, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 27-1-1999)].

Uttar Pradesh

In section 272 for the words "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" the following shall be substituted, namely:-

"shall be punished with imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine:

Provided that the court may, for adequate reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment which is less than imprisonment for life."

[Vide Uttar Pradesh Act 47 of 1975, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 15-9-1975)].

West Bengal

In section 272 for the words "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" the following shall be substituted, namely:-

"for life with or without fine:

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment which is

less than imprisonment for life."

[Vide West Bengal Act 42 of 1973, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 29-4-1973)].

Study: explanations and related material

Now BNS 274 (changed). 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.

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