IPC Section 287: Negligent conduct with respect to machinery

Whoever does, with any machinery, 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 machinery in his possession or under his care as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such machinery, 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 287: Simplified Explanation 

IPC Section 287 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses negligent conduct concerning machinery. This section aims to prevent harm from careless handling or management of machinery that could endanger human life or cause injury. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety standards and responsible machinery usage to protect public safety. 

Key Elements: 

  1. Negligent Conduct: The person must have acted negligently or rashly. 
  1. Machinery: The act involves the handling or management of machinery. 
  1. Endangerment: The conduct must likely endanger human life or cause harm to any person. 

Is IPC Section 287 Bailable? 

Yes, IPC Section 287 is a bailable offence. This means that an accused person has the right to be released on bail by providing a security amount and a bail bond. A police officer or a magistrate can decide to grant bail. 

IPC Section 287 Punishment 

The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 287 includes: 

  • Imprisonment: The convicted person can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term that may extend up to six months. 
  • Fine: The person can also be liable to pay a fine, which may extend up to one thousand rupees. 
  • Both: In some cases, the court may impose imprisonment and a fine. 

This provision penalizes those who neglect safety standards when handling machinery, thus preventing accidents and ensuring safety. 

Example of IPC Section 287 

A factory owner installed a new industrial machine in his factory but needed to provide proper training to the workers on how to operate it safely. Additionally, he should have installed safety guards and warning signs around the machine. As a result, one of the workers, while operating the machine, suffered a severe injury due to the lack of safety measures. 

The factory owner was charged under IPC Section 287 for his negligent conduct in handling machinery. In court, it was proven that the owner’s actions were rash and careless, endangering the life and safety of the workers. Consequently, he was imprisoned for three months and fined one thousand rupees, underscoring the critical need for adhering to safety protocols in managing machinery.

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