Practice paper — BNS Chapter XV — Of Offences Affecting The Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency And Morals

1.Under Section 270 of the BNS, a person is guilty of public nuisance if his act or illegal omission causes what?

• (A) Injury only to a specific individual
• (B) Common injury, danger or annoyance to the public or to people who dwell or occupy property in the vicinity
• (C) Loss to the Government exchequer
• (D) Damage exclusively to public property

2.A factory owner argues that his operations, though causing constant annoyance to the residents of the neighbourhood, provide employment and cheap goods to the locality. Under Section 270 BNS, this defence is:

• (A) Valid, because convenience to the public excuses a nuisance
• (B) Invalid, because a common nuisance is not excused on the ground that it causes some convenience or advantage
• (C) Valid, provided the advantage outweighs the annoyance
• (D) Valid, if the factory is licensed

3.Under Section 271, what is the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed for doing an act likely to spread infection of a disease dangerous to life?

• (A) Three months
• (B) Six months
• (C) One year
• (D) Two years

4.Which diseases are covered by Section 271 as framed in the provision?

• (A) All infectious diseases regardless of severity
• (B) Only diseases formally listed by a government notification
• (C) Only diseases that are "dangerous to life"
• (D) Only diseases that have already caused multiple infections

5.Which mental state or combination is explicitly required by Section 272 for the offence?

• (A) The act must be done malignantly and the offender must know or have reason to believe it is likely to spread infection.
• (B) Mere negligence in causing the spread of infection is sufficient.
• (C) Strict liability applies regardless of the offender's state of mind.
• (D) Only intention to kill or cause grievous harm is required.

6.Which of the following best describes the elements that must coexist for liability under Section 272?

• (A) Malignantly doing an act that is likely to spread infection, even if the person lacks any belief about that likelihood.
• (B) Knowing or having reason to believe an act is likely to spread infection, even if the act was not done malignantly.
• (C) Both: the act must be done malignantly, and the person must know or have reason to believe it is likely to spread infection.
• (D) Either malignancy or knowledge/reason to believe is sufficient on its own.

7.Does Section 273 cover disobedience of rules "for regulating the intercourse between places where an infectious disease prevails and other places"?

• (A) It only covers rules about putting transport into quarantine, not place-to-place regulation
• (B) It applies only to personal quarantine, not to place-to-place intercourse
• (C) Yes — it expressly includes rules for regulating intercourse between places where an infectious disease prevails and other places
• (D) No — it governs only transport within a quarantined state

8.Which of the following is an essential element of the offence under Section 274, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?

• (A) Adulteration of a food or drink so as to make it noxious, together with an intention to sell it as food or drink or knowledge that it is likely to be sold as food or drink.
• (B) Any adulteration of food or drink, regardless of its effect on the article or the intention to sell.
• (C) Sale of any food or drink that has been adulterated, even if it is not rendered noxious.
• (D) Adulteration committed only when the adulterated article has actually been sold.

9.If a person mixes a harmless additive into a food item that does not render it noxious, but intends to sell the item as food, is that act punishable under Section 274?

• (A) Yes — any adulteration with intent to sell falls under Section 274.
• (B) Yes — intent to sell makes the act punishable even if the item is not noxious.
• (C) No — Section 274 requires the adulteration to make the article noxious as food or drink.
• (D) No — Section 274 applies only after the adulterated article has been sold.

10.Which mental element is required for an offence under Section 275 (Sale of noxious food or drink)?

• (A) Strict liability (no mental element required)
• (B) Simple negligence
• (C) Knowing or having reason to believe that the article is noxious as food or drink
• (D) Intention to cause harm to the buyer

11.If an article sold as food was fit at the time of sale but became noxious after the sale (due to later spoilage), is the seller liable under Section 275?

• (A) Yes — seller is always liable once the article becomes noxious
• (B) Yes — but only if the buyer suffers harm
• (C) No — the provision targets sale/offer/exposure of an article that "has been rendered or has become noxious, or is in a state unfit" at the time of sale with knowledge or reason to believe
• (D) Yes — if the seller was negligent in packaging

12.What is the maximum punishment prescribed by Section 276 for adulteration of drugs?

• (A) Imprisonment for up to five years or fine up to Rs. 50,000.
• (B) Imprisonment for up to one year only (no fine).
• (C) Fine up to Rs. 5,000 only (no imprisonment).
• (D) Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

13.If a person adulterates a medical preparation but does so intending it will be used for a non‑medicinal industrial purpose (not for any medicinal purpose), does Section 276 apply?

• (A) Yes — any adulteration of a medical preparation is covered.
• (B) Yes — provided it changes the operation of the preparation.
• (C) No — the provision applies only where the adulterated article is intended or known likely to be sold or used for any medicinal purpose.
• (D) No — unless the adulteration makes the preparation noxious.

14.Which of the following acts are expressly covered as offences under Section 277?

• (A) Only selling an adulterated drug
• (B) Selling or offering an adulterated drug for sale
• (C) Selling, offering or exposing for sale, issuing from a dispensary as unadulterated, or causing it to be used by a person not knowing of the adulteration
• (D) Only issuing an adulterated drug from a dispensary

15.Which kinds of adulteration are covered by Section 277 so as to attract liability if the other elements are present?

• (A) Only adulteration that renders the drug noxious
• (B) Only adulteration that changes the drug's operation or renders it noxious, but not mere lessening of efficacy
• (C) Adulteration that lessens efficacy, that changes its operation, or that renders it noxious — any one of these suffices
• (D) Only adulteration that both lessens efficacy and renders it noxious

16.Does Section 278 apply when a dispensary issues a drug for non-medicinal purposes?

• (A) No. The provision applies only when the issue from a dispensary is 'for medicinal purposes.'
• (B) Yes. It applies whenever a dispensary issues a drug, irrespective of purpose.
• (C) Yes, but only if the issuer acted knowingly for non-medicinal purposes.
• (D) Only if the issuance results in actual harm to the recipient.

17.Does the adverb 'knowingly' in Section 278 apply to all the listed acts (sells; offers or exposes for sale; issues from a dispensary for medicinal purposes)?

• (A) Yes. 'Knowingly' qualifies all the listed acts in the provision.
• (B) No. It applies only to 'sells' and not to the other acts.
• (C) It applies only to 'sells' and 'offers or exposes for sale', but not to 'issues from a dispensary.'
• (D) The provision is silent about which specific acts 'knowingly' qualifies.

18.Does Section 279 cover accidental contamination of a public spring or reservoir that renders the water less fit for ordinary use?

• (A) Yes — any contamination is covered whether accidental or not
• (B) No — the section requires the person to have voluntarily corrupted or fouled the water
• (C) Yes — but only if the contamination was caused by a public authority
• (D) No — it applies only to contamination that causes physical injury

19.Which act is expressly made punishable by Section 280 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?

• (A) Voluntarily vitiating the atmosphere so as to make it noxious to the health of persons in general
• (B) Causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon
• (C) Defamation by spoken words
• (D) Obstructing a public way

20.If only animals (and no persons) are harmed by the vitiated atmosphere, is the act punishable under Section 280?

• (A) Yes, harm to animals is covered
• (B) Yes, but only if animals are in a public way
• (C) Depends on local municipal rules
• (D) No, the provision refers to harm to the health of persons in general

21.What is the maximum punishment prescribed by Section 281 of the BNS for rash driving or riding on a public way?

• (A) Imprisonment up to six months, or fine up to one thousand rupees, or both
• (B) Imprisonment up to two years, or fine, or both
• (C) Imprisonment up to one year and mandatory fine
• (D) Only fine up to five thousand rupees

22.A drives at high speed through a crowded public street, narrowly missing pedestrians, but no one is actually hurt. Under Section 281 BNS, A is:

• (A) Not liable, because no injury occurred
• (B) Liable, because the section punishes driving likely to cause hurt or endangering human life, without requiring actual injury
• (C) Liable only if a pedestrian files a complaint
• (D) Not liable, because speed alone can never amount to rashness

23.What is the maximum term of imprisonment that Section 282 provides?

• (A) Three months
• (B) One year
• (C) Six months
• (D) No imprisonment; only a fine

24.If negligent navigation of a vessel causes only damage to cargo and there was no danger to human life and no likelihood of causing hurt to any person, is the conduct punishable under Section 282?

• (A) Yes, because negligence in navigation alone is sufficient under the section
• (B) No, because Section 282 requires endangering human life or being likely to cause hurt or injury to a person
• (C) Yes, but only if the fine exceeds ten thousand rupees
• (D) No, because Section 282 applies only to collisions between vessels

25.Which mental element is required by Section 283 for the offence of exhibiting a false light, mark or buoy?

• (A) Strict liability (no mental element required)
• (B) Negligence or carelessness
• (C) Intending or knowing it to be likely that such exhibition will mislead any navigator
• (D) Actual causing of deception to a navigator

26.Does Section 283 cover cases of mere negligence (without intention or knowledge) in exhibiting a false mark or buoy?

• (A) Yes — negligence is enough for liability under Section 283
• (B) Only gross negligence counts as intention under the section
• (C) No — the provision specifically requires intending or knowing it to be likely to mislead
• (D) Only if the negligence results in a fine exceeding ten thousand rupees

27.Is actual bodily harm required for Section 284 to apply, or is endangerment sufficient?

• (A) Endangerment is sufficient — the offence requires the vessel to be in such a state or so loaded as to endanger life, not that harm occurred
• (B) Actual injury is required before the offence can be made out
• (C) Only if the person transported knew about the danger will the offence apply
• (D) Only if the vessel owner acted knowingly will the offence apply

28.What is the maximum penalty prescribed by Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023?

• (A) Fine which may extend to five hundred rupees
• (B) Fine which may extend to five thousand rupees
• (C) Imprisonment for up to two years
• (D) Fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees

29.If an omission concerning property under a person's charge causes obstruction in a public line of navigation but no person is present or affected, does Section 285 apply?

• (A) Yes — obstruction of the public line of navigation alone attracts the section
• (B) Yes — but only if the property belonged to the State
• (C) No — the provision requires danger, obstruction or injury to any person
• (D) No — because omissions are excluded; only positive acts are covered

30.What is the maximum punishment provided by Section 286 for negligent conduct with respect to a poisonous substance?

• (A) Imprisonment up to two years and fine up to ten thousand rupees.
• (B) Imprisonment of life.
• (C) Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or both.
• (D) Only a fine not exceeding five thousand rupees.

31.A purely accidental mishap involving a poisonous substance, where the act was neither rash nor negligent, falls under Section 286. Is this statement correct?

• (A) Yes — any accident involving a poisonous substance is punishable under Section 286.
• (B) Yes — provided the substance was in the person's possession.
• (C) No — the provision requires the act to be done in a manner that is rash or negligent (or an omission that is knowing or negligent).
• (D) No — Section 286 applies only when there is an intention to cause hurt or injury.

32.Which substances or objects fall within the scope of Section 287?

• (A) Fire or any combustible matter
• (B) Firearms and explosives only
• (C) Poisonous chemicals only
• (D) Electrical appliances only

33.Which of the following is NOT required to secure a conviction under Section 287?

• (A) That the act was done rashly or negligently
• (B) That the fire or combustible matter was in the accused's possession when omission is alleged
• (C) That the conduct endangered human life or was likely to cause hurt or injury
• (D) That actual hurt or injury to another person occurred

34.If a person performs, with an explosive substance, an act that is likely to cause hurt but in fact causes no injury, is Section 288 attracted?

• (A) No — actual hurt or injury must occur for the section to apply
• (B) Only if the person intended to cause hurt
• (C) Yes — an act "likely to cause hurt or injury" is covered even if no injury occurs
• (D) Yes — but only if death was a possible outcome

35.Which of the following best describes conduct that falls within Section 289 (Negligent conduct with respect to machinery)?

• (A) Doing, with any machinery, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person.
• (B) Any intentional act with machinery that damages property but causes no risk to human life.
• (C) Only deliberate acts intended to injure a person using machinery.
• (D) Any omission to maintain machinery regardless of whether it creates danger to human life.

36.A worker negligently operates a machine but the operation does not endanger human life and is not likely to cause hurt or injury. Is the worker punishable under Section 289?

• (A) Yes, any negligent operation of machinery is punishable under Section 289.
• (B) No, the negligence must endanger human life or be likely to cause hurt or injury for Section 289 to apply.
• (C) Yes, but only if a third party complains.
• (D) No, Section 289 applies only to intentional acts, not negligence.

37.Which mental state(s) does Section 290 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 require for the offence described?

• (A) Strict liability irrespective of fault
• (B) Knowingly or negligently
• (C) Intentionally only
• (D) Recklessly only

38.Does Section 290 apply where only property (and not human life) is at risk from the fall of a building?

• (A) It applies equally to risk to property and to human life
• (B) It applies to both but imposes a higher penalty for human life risk
• (C) It requires actual injury to human life before it applies
• (D) No; the provision specifically refers to "probable danger to human life" and not mere property risk

39.Which mental states make the omission punishable under Section 291?

• (A) Intention only
• (B) Knowingly or negligently
• (C) Negligence only
• (D) Recklessness only

40.If omission to take measures exposes persons to probable danger of simple hurt (not grievous hurt), does Section 291 apply?

• (A) Yes, any hurt suffices
• (B) No, the section refers specifically to probable danger of grievous hurt
• (C) Only if the hurt was caused intentionally
• (D) Only if the omission was wilful

41.When does Section 292 apply to a public nuisance?

• (A) Only when the offence is committed by a public official
• (B) When the public nuisance is not otherwise punishable by this Sanhita
• (C) When the public nuisance is already punishable elsewhere in this Sanhita
• (D) Only if a fine above one thousand rupees has already been imposed

42.An act amounts to a public nuisance that is not punishable under the Sanhita but is punishable under some other statute outside the Sanhita. Does Section 292 apply?

• (A) Yes; Section 292 applies when the act is not otherwise punishable by this Sanhita, regardless of other laws
• (B) No; Section 292 applies only if no other law anywhere prescribes punishment
• (C) Only if the other statute prescribes a lighter punishment
• (D) Only if the other statute is also part of the Sanhita

43.Which of the following accurately describes the punishments available under Section 293 for someone who repeats or continues a public nuisance after being enjoined?

• (A) Only imprisonment up to six months
• (B) Only a fine up to five thousand rupees
• (C) Imprisonment up to six months, or a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both
• (D) Community service

44.Under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, when is a book, pamphlet or representation deemed to be obscene?

• (A) When it is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest, or its effect (or, for multiple items, the effect of any one item) taken as a whole tends to deprave and corrupt persons likely to read, see or hear it.
• (B) Only when it contains explicit sexual acts intended to arouse the reader.
• (C) Only when it is printed and physically distributed for sale.
• (D) When the author admits it was created for immoral purposes.

45.A person imports a single printed representation into India for their private collection and had no knowledge or reason to believe it would be sold, hired, distributed or publicly exhibited. Is the importer criminally liable under clause (b) of Section 294?

• (A) Yes — all imports of obscene objects are offences regardless of knowledge or purpose.
• (B) Yes — because mere possession after importation amounts to an offence under the section.
• (C) Yes — unless the importer obtains a certificate that it is for private use.
• (D) No — clause (b) requires import for the purposes aforesaid or knowing/ having reason to believe it will be sold, let to hire, distributed or publicly exhibited.

46.What is the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed on first conviction under Section 295?

• (A) 1 year
• (B) 3 years
• (C) 5 years
• (D) 7 years

47.Which of the following correctly states the punishment on a second or subsequent conviction under Section 295?

• (A) Cumulative imprisonment of up to 10 years and fine up to 7,000 rupees
• (B) Only a fine up to 5,000 rupees, with no imprisonment
• (C) Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and also with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees
• (D) Imprisonment up to 7 years but the fine is limited to 2,000 rupees

48.Which of the following is punishable under clause (b) of Section 296 BNS?

• (A) Publishing an obscene book
• (B) Singing, reciting or uttering any obscene song, ballad or words in or near any public place
• (C) Selling obscene objects to minors
• (D) Storing obscene material in a private house

49.What is the key locational difference between clause (a) and clause (b) of Section 296 BNS?

• (A) Clause (a) requires the obscene act to be in a public place, while clause (b) covers obscene songs or words in or near a public place
• (B) Clause (a) covers private places, while clause (b) covers public places
• (C) Both clauses require the conduct to be inside a public place, with no difference
• (D) Clause (b) applies only to places of worship

50.A person publishes an advertisement offering to deliver goods to anyone who draws a winning number in a private lottery that is not authorised by the State Government. Under Section 297, what is the correct legal consequence?

• (A) No penalty because offering goods is not covered.
• (B) Imprisonment for up to six months but no fine.
• (C) A fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
• (D) A fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees.