CrPC Section 336
CrPC Section 336 – Act endangering life or personal safety of others
Text of Section 336 (in essence):
"Whoever does any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both."
1. Nature of Offense
Section 336 deals with acts that are dangerous to human life or safety, but not necessarily causing actual harm. It is a cognizable and non-bailable offense, and it is considered punishable under criminal law, but it is less severe than offenses causing actual hurt or death.
The key thing to note is that the focus is on endangerment, not the result. So, even if nobody is injured, someone can still be punished if their act was reckless enough to create a risk to life or safety.
2. Essential Ingredients (Key Elements)
To establish an offense under Section 336, the following elements must be present:
An act has been committed – The accused must have done something physically. Mere intention is not enough.
Rashness or negligence – The act must be done recklessly, rashly, or without reasonable care. Ordinary mistakes do not count.
Endangerment – The act must endanger human life or the personal safety of others.
Causation of risk, not necessarily injury – Unlike Sections 319–338 of IPC, which deal with causing actual hurt, this section only punishes the dangerous act, even if it doesn’t result in injury.
3. Punishment
Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
Fine: Up to ₹500
Or both
The punishment reflects that the law aims to deter negligence or rashness, but not impose severe penalties unless actual harm occurs.
4. Examples of Offenses under Section 336
Driving a vehicle recklessly on a crowded street, narrowly missing pedestrians.
Firing a gun in a public area without due precaution, even if no one is hit.
Leaving heavy objects on a roof or balcony where they could fall on passersby.
In all these cases, the risk to life or safety is enough for punishment, even if no injury occurs.
5. Relation to Other Sections
IPC Sections 337–338: These deal with causing actual grievous hurt or hurt by rash or negligent acts.
Section 336 is concerned with creating danger, whereas 337 and 338 deal with actual harm caused by similar acts.
Think of it as a spectrum:
336 → Endangerment (no injury needed)
337 → Hurt caused by negligence
338 → Grievous hurt caused by negligence
6. Important Legal Principle
The act must be voluntary and rash/negligent.
Mere accidental acts without negligence do not attract Section 336.
The law focuses on public safety and caution.
✅ In simple words:
If someone acts carelessly or recklessly in a way that could harm others, even if no one is hurt, they can be punished under Section 336.
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