Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 278

BNS 278: earlier IPC 276

Section 278 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 276 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. BNS 278 deals with sale of drug as a different drug or preparation. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

BNS 278 was IPC 276.

Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation.

Carried over
Old wording kept in full
Old · IPC 1860 · Ch. XIV
s. 276
Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
Whoever knowingly sells, or offers or exposes for sale, or issues from a dispensary for medicinal purposes, any drug or medical preparation, as a different drug or medical preparation, 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.
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNS 2023 · Ch. XV
s. 278
Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation.
Whoever knowingly sells, or offers or exposes for sale, or issues from a dispensary for medicinal purposes, any drug or medical preparation, as a different drug or medical preparation, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Text from India Code
Old classification · CrPC First Schedule, for IPC 276
CognizableNon-cognizable
BailableBailable
PunishmentImprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both.
Triable byAny Magistrate.
For an offence under the BNS, check the First Schedule of the BNSS.
Judgments on s. 276 IPCBNS 278 on India Code Source: NCRB section table
Related sectionsIPC 276 · Sale of drug as a different drug or …
BNS 277 · Sale of adulterated drugs.BNS 279 · Fouling water of public spring or reservoir.

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