IPC Section 237
IPC Section 237 โ Negligent Conduct with Respect to Fire or Combustible Matter
๐ Text of Section 237 IPC (Simplified)
"Whoever causes or allows any fire or combustible matter to be in any place so as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any property, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both."
๐ Key Elements of Section 237 IPC
Conduct related to fire or combustible matter
The accused must cause or allow fire or something flammable to be present.
Location
The fire or combustible material must be in any place (public or private).
Endangerment
The presence of fire or combustible matter must endanger human life or be likely to cause hurt or injury to property.
Negligence
The conduct must be negligent or careless, not intentional burning (which would fall under other sections like arson).
โ๏ธ Punishment
Imprisonment (simple or rigorous) up to 6 months OR
Fine OR
Both
๐ง Purpose of Section 237
To prevent careless or negligent handling of fire or flammable substances.
To protect people and property from accidental fires caused by negligence.
To ensure public safety through responsible behavior around fire.
๐ Illustration
A factory owner stores flammable materials without proper safety precautions, leading to fire risk.
A person carelessly discards a burning cigarette in a dry area, causing danger.
Someone leaves combustible material near a heat source, risking fire.
In these cases, the person may be liable under Section 237 for negligent conduct.
๐ Related Sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Section 436 IPC | Punishment for mischief by fire (arson) |
| Section 279 IPC | Rash driving or riding on a public way |
| Section 269 IPC | Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life |
โ Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Offense | Negligent conduct related to fire or combustible matter causing danger |
| Mens Rea | Negligence or carelessness (no intent) |
| Punishment | Up to 6 months imprisonment, fine, or both |
| Objective | Protect life and property from accidental fire hazards |
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