Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc

What this section does

This section creates several aggravated forms of mischief based on the specific target or means used, including diminishing water supply, damaging public roads or waterways, causing inundation, destroying navigation signals or landmarks, and using fire or explosives. Punishments range from one year to life imprisonment depending on the clause attracted.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

Clauses (a), (b), (c): imprisonment up to 5 years, or fine, or both. Clause (d): imprisonment up to 7 years, or fine, or both. Clause (e): imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both. Clause (f): imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. Clause (g): imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine.

Triable by

Magistrate of First Class

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

Depends

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused committed mischief (as defined in section 324)
2. The mischief fell within one of the specified categories: (a) diminishing water supply for agriculture, human/animal consumption, cleanliness, or manufacture; (b) rendering a public road, bridge, or navigable channel impassable or less safe; (c) causing inundation or obstruction to public drainage with injury or damage; (d) destroying or moving a navigation sign or signal for rail, aircraft, or ship; (e) destroying or moving a land-mark fixed by public authority; (f) using fire or explosive substance to damage property including agricultural produce; (g) using fire or explosive substance to destroy a building used as a dwelling, place of worship, or place for custody of property
3. The accused intended to cause, or knew he was likely to cause, the relevant harm

Derived from IPC s.430 / IPC s.431 / IPC s.432 / IPC s.433 / IPC s.434 / IPC s.435 / IPC s.436.