Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
Full Text
Whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
Plain English Summary
Punishes anyone who unlawfully or negligently performs an act that they know or have reason to believe is likely to spread a life-threatening infection.
Key Legal Elements
- Unlawful or negligent act committed by the accused.
- The act is likely to spread the infection of a disease dangerous to life.
- Accused knew or had reason to believe the act would spread the infection.
Punishment
Imprisonment of either description up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
Practical Note
This section is commonly invoked during pandemics (e.g., COVID-19 quarantine violations). The prosecution must establish: (1) an act occurred; (2) it was negligent or unlawful; (3) the act is likely to spread infection of a life-threatening disease; and (4) the accused had knowledge or reason to believe this. It is a cognizable and bailable offence.
हिंदी पाठ
जो कोई विधि विरुद्ध रूप से या उपेक्षा से कोई ऐसा कार्य करेगा, जिससे कि, और जिसके बारे में वह जानता हो या विश्वास करने का कारण रखता हो कि, जीवन के लिए संकटपूर्ण किसी रोग का संसर्ग फैलना सम्भाव्य है, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि छह मास तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, या दोनों से, दंडित किया जाएगा।