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Section 276 — Adulteration of drugs
276
276
Adulteration of drugs
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter XV Of Offences Affecting The Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
AdulterationPublic HealthMedical OffencesModerate
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with adulterating medicines. If a person changes a medicine to make it less effective or harmful, they break this law. They must intend to sell it or know it will be used for medical purposes.
Why does this law exist? This law protects people from dangerous or ineffective medicines. It ensures that medicines work as they should and do not cause harm. This is crucial for public health and safety.
Real-life impact Imagine buying medicine that doesn't work or makes you sick. This law prevents that. It ensures the medicines you take are safe and effective. It helps maintain trust in the healthcare system.
What happens if you break this law? If you break this law, you could go to jail for up to one year. You might also have to pay a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both. The police can arrest you without a warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to one year, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul, a chemist, adds extra water to a cough syrup to increase profits. He knows it will reduce the medicine's effectiveness. This violates Section 276. He could face jail time and a fine.

Priya, a pharmacist, replaces a key ingredient in a heart medication with a cheaper one. She knows it will harm patients. This is also a violation of Section 276. She could be arrested and fined.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report any suspicious medicines to the authorities.
  • •Seek legal advice if accused of adulterating drugs.
  • •Demand a proper investigation if you are falsely accused.
  • •You have the right to legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 276 of the BNS addresses the adulteration of drugs. It means changing a medicine to make it less effective or harmful. This includes adding substances that make the medicine dangerous. The law aims to protect people from unsafe medicines. It ensures that medicines are safe and work as intended.
If you break Section 276, you could face up to one year in jail. You might also have to pay a fine of up to five thousand rupees. The court can impose both jail time and a fine. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the adulteration.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replaces IPC)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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