Whoever does, with fire or any combustible matter, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any fire or any combustible matter in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such fire or combustible matter, 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 285: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 285 deals with offences related to negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter. This section aims to prevent harm caused by the improper handling, storage, or disposal of fire or combustible materials. It ensures that individuals responsible for such materials take appropriate precautions to avoid endangering human life or causing injury.
Is IPC Section 285 bailable?
Yes, IPC Section 285 is a bailable offence. In the Indian legal system, bailable offences are those for which the accused can obtain bail as a matter of right. This means that if a person is charged under Section 285, they can apply for bail and are likely to be granted it by the court.
IPC Section 285 Punishment
The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 285 includes:
- Imprisonment: The offender can be sentenced to imprisonment of either description (rigorous or straightforward) for a term that may extend to six months.
- Fine: The offender may be fined an amount which may extend to one thousand rupees.
- Both: In some cases, the court may decide to impose both imprisonment and a fine on the offender.
Example of IPC Section 285
A factory worker is responsible for handling flammable chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Instead of storing these chemicals in a secure and designated area, he leaves them near a heat source. A spark from nearby machinery ignites the chemicals, causing a fire that spreads quickly. Although the fire was eventually controlled, several workers suffered burns and other injuries. The negligent worker is charged under IPC Section 285 for rashly and negligently handling combustible matter in a manner that endangered human life and caused injury. The court, considering the severity of the negligence and the harm caused, sentences him to four months of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 800 rupees.
