Section 272 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Here’s what Section 272 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, entails:
📘 Section 272 – Malignant Act Likely to Spread Infectious Disease
What it prohibits:
Anyone who malignantly performs an act that they know, or have reason to believe, is likely to spread an infection of a disease dangerous to life commits an offence
“Whoever malignantly does any act which is,… likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life…”
⚖️ Punishment:
Imprisonment: up to 2 years (simple or rigorous),
Fine,
Or both
🧭 Placement in the BNS:
This section falls under Chapter XV—titled Offences affecting public health, safety, convenience, decency and morals
🔍 What "Malignant" Means Here:
The term refers to intentional or reckless actions. The act isn’t accidental—it must be knowingly harmful in a way that risks spreading a dangerous disease.
✅ Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Offence | Malignantly spreading life-threatening disease |
| Intent | Knowingly or recklessly acting to spread infection |
| Imprisonment | Up to 2 years (simple or rigorous) |
| Fine | Discretionary |
| Other | Both fine and imprisonment possible |
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