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Section 277 — Sale of adulterated drugs
277
277
Sale of adulterated 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 OffencesMinor
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 277 of the BNS is about selling adulterated drugs. If you know a medicine is changed to be less effective or harmful, and you sell it, you break this law. This includes offering it for sale or giving it out as if it were pure.
Why does this law exist? This law protects people from being harmed by unsafe medicines. It ensures that sellers are responsible for the quality of the drugs they sell. It builds trust in the healthcare system.
Real-life impact Imagine buying medicine from a pharmacy that you later find out is fake or altered. This law makes sure that doesn't happen. It ensures that the medicines you buy are safe and effective.
What happens if you break this law? If you break this law, you could go to jail for up to six months. 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 six months, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Amit, a shop owner, sells a cough syrup he knows has been diluted. He is aware it will not work properly. This is a violation of Section 277. He could face jail time and a fine.

Sneha, a nurse, gives a patient a medicine that she knows is fake. She does not tell the patient. This action violates Section 277. She could be arrested and fined.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report any suspicious medicine sales to the authorities.
  • •Ask for proof of the medicine's authenticity.
  • •Seek legal advice if accused of selling adulterated drugs.
  • •You have the right to legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 277 of the BNS deals with selling adulterated drugs. It means selling a medicine that has been changed to be less effective or harmful. This includes offering it for sale or giving it out as if it were pure. The law aims to protect people from unsafe medicines.
If you break Section 277, you could face up to six months 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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