Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 284
repealedNegligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance
Whoever does, with any poisonous substance, any act in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any person, or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any poisonous substance in his possession as is sufficient to guard against probable danger to human life from such poisonous substance, 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.
Why this exists
Poisons are inherently dangerous and can cause death or serious harm even without any intent to hurt anyone. This section makes careless handling or storage of poison a criminal offence in itself, encouraging pesticide sellers, pharmacists, and households to take basic safety precautions. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, this offence continues under a renumbered section.