Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make it noxious, intending that it shall be sold or used for, or knowing it to be likely that it will be sold or used for, any medicinal purpose, as it had not undergone such adulteration, 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.
IPC Section 273: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 273 pertains to selling harmful or unhealthy food or drink. The section is designed to protect public health by penalising those who sell or offer for sale any food or drink that is harmful to human health. This includes any food or drink that is adulterated, contaminated, or otherwise unsafe for consumption.
Legal Provisions:
- The section is aimed at preventing the endangerment of public health.
- It is a preventive measure against food adulteration and contamination.
Is IPC Section 273 bailable?
Yes, IPC Section 273 is a bailable offence. This means the accused can be released on bail, subject to the court’s discretion or the police officer in charge.
IPC Section 273 Punishment
The punishment for the offence under IPC Section 273 is:
- Imprisonment of either description (rigorous or straightforward) for a term that may extend to six months.
- A fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.
- Or both imprisonment and fine.
The severity of the punishment reflects the potential harm that unhealthy food or drink can cause to public health.
Example of IPC Section 273
A real-life example of IPC Section 273 could be as follows:
A vendor in a local market was found selling milk that was mixed with harmful chemicals to increase its volume. Upon inspection by food safety officers, the milk was found unsafe for consumption and could cause serious health issues. The vendor was charged under IPC Section 273 for selling unhealthy food, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial. The court imposed a fine and sentenced the vendor to imprisonment, emphasising the need to protect public health from such malicious activities.
This example highlights the practical application of IPC Section 273 in safeguarding consumers from harmful food and drink products.
