Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 279
Fouling water of public spring or reservoir
Whoever voluntarily corrupts or fouls the water of any public spring or reservoir, so as to render it less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Why this exists
Public water sources like village wells, springs, and reservoirs are shared resources that entire communities depend on for drinking, washing, or irrigation. This section, continuing the old IPC Section 277, protects that shared resource against deliberate contamination that would harm everyone who relies on it.