Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
What this section does
Punishes any person who unlawfully or negligently performs an act that they know or have reason to believe is likely to spread a life-threatening infectious disease. The offence is based on negligence or unlawfulness rather than malicious intent. It covers acts of omission or commission that create a risk of disease transmission.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused did an act (or omission) that is likely to spread infection of a disease dangerous to life
- The act was done unlawfully or negligently
- The accused knew or had reason to believe that the act was likely to spread such infection
Derived from IPC s.269.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 271, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 271 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.