IPC Section 285
๐น Section 285 IPC โ Negligent Conduct with Respect to Fire or Combustible Matter
Bare Act Language:
"Whoever does, with fire or any combustible matter, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both."
๐ Detailed Explanation:
1. Nature of the Offence:
This section deals with rash or negligent acts involving fire or any combustible substance.
It is intended to prevent danger to human life or injury due to careless handling of fire, fuels, or explosive materials.
2. Key Elements of the Offence:
To invoke Section 285, the following elements must be present:
Act involving fire or combustible matter:
This could include substances like kerosene, petrol, diesel, gas cylinders, fireworks, dry grass, chemicals, etc.
Rashness or negligence:
The person did not take proper care.
The act was done without proper precautions, ignoring foreseeable consequences.
Endangerment:
The act must have endangered human life or have been likely to cause hurt or injury to someone.
๐ธ Itโs not necessary that actual injury or harm occurredโmere likelihood is enough for this offence.
โ๏ธ Illustrations (Examples):
A person leaves a bonfire unattended in a public place and it spreads, endangering nearby people โ this would attract Section 285.
Someone stores large amounts of petrol at home without safety measures, putting neighbors at risk โ this is also covered.
A person throws a lit cigarette in a dry forest area, potentially causing a fire โ this is negligent conduct under this section.
๐จ Punishment under Section 285 IPC:
Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
Fine: Up to โน1,000
Or both
๐งพ This is a bailable, non-cognizable, and compoundable offence in most cases (subject to judicial discretion and local rules).
๐ง Purpose of Section 285:
To create a deterrent against careless behavior with fire or dangerous substances.
To ensure public safety by holding individuals accountable for negligence that could harm others.
๐ Related Sections:
Section 286 โ Negligent conduct with explosive substances.
Section 336 โ Act endangering life or personal safety of others.
Section 304A โ Causing death by negligence (if someone dies due to such act).
RELATED Blog
0 comments