IPC Section 269
Text of IPC Section 269 (Simplified)
"Whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment for up to six months, or with fine, or both."
Key Elements of Section 269
Who can commit this offence?
Any person. There is no restriction; anyone who negligently spreads a dangerous disease can be held liable.
Negligent or unlawful act:
The act must be negligent (careless or failing to exercise reasonable caution) or unlawful.
Example: Ignoring quarantine rules or failing to cover the mouth when coughing in a contagious situation.
Likely to spread disease:
The act should be capable of spreading infection.
It is not necessary that the disease actually spreads; the likelihood is enough.
Disease dangerous to life:
The disease must be serious and life-threatening.
Example: Cholera, plague, tuberculosis, COVID-19 in its dangerous stages.
Punishment
Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
Fine: Court can impose a monetary penalty
Or Both: The court can choose imprisonment, fine, or both.
Example
A person knows they are suffering from a contagious disease like tuberculosis but continues to go to public gatherings without taking precautions.
This is negligent behavior likely to spread disease, punishable under Section 269.
During a pandemic, a person refuses to isolate despite testing positive for a dangerous virus and continues normal interactions.
Likely violation of Section 269.
Difference with Section 270
Section 269 is for negligent acts, without intent to spread disease.
Section 270 is for malicious acts, done intentionally to spread disease.
Summary:
IPC Section 269 penalizes any negligent act by a person that could spread a dangerous disease, focusing on likelihood and negligence, not intent.
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