Negligent conduct with respect to animal
What this section does
Penalises a person who knowingly or negligently fails to take adequate precautions regarding an animal in their possession, where such failure creates a probable danger to human life or of grievous hurt. The offence covers both deliberate omission and careless inaction. Liability attaches to the possessor of the animal.
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 up to ₹5,000, or both.
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused had an animal in their possession
- The accused knowingly or negligently omitted to take measures sufficient to guard against probable danger
- The probable danger was either to human life or of grievous hurt from the animal
Derived from IPC s.289.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 291, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 291 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.