Bare Acts › BNS 2023 › Chapter XIII

BNS Chapter XIII – Offences Affecting Public Health (Sections 278–294)

Chapter XIII covers a broad range of offences affecting public health, safety, convenience, decency, and morals. It penalises conduct that endangers public wellbeing or offends community standards.

Public Health Offences

Section 278 penalises making the atmosphere noxious to health (fine up to Rs. 1,000). Section 279 covers rash or negligent driving on a public way (up to 6 months). Section 280 deals with rash navigation of a vessel. Section 281 penalises exhibition of a false light or signal to misdirect a vessel. Section 284 covers negligent conduct relating to poisonous substances. Section 285 penalises negligent conduct with fire or combustible matter. Section 289 targets negligent conduct with regard to animals causing risk of death or grievous hurt.

Decency and Morals

Section 292 penalises making, distributing, or exhibiting obscene material (up to 2 years for first offence, 5 years for subsequent). Section 294 covers obscene acts or songs in a public place causing annoyance.

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