IPC Section 275: Sale of adulterated drugs
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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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, knowing any drug or medical preparation to have been adulterated in such a manner as to lessen its efficacy, to change its operation, or to render it noxious, sells the same, or offers or exposes it for sale, or issues it from any dispensary for medicinal purposes as unadulterated, or causes it to be used for medicinal purposes by any person not knowing of the 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.
¶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
¶In section 275, State Amendments are the same as under section 272.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 277 (changed). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p17
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh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
- 268. Public nuisance
- 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
- 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