Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 285
repealedNegligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter
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, or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any fire or any combustible matter in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such fire or combustible matter, 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
Fire is one of the oldest and most common causes of accidental death and property destruction, especially in densely packed neighbourhoods, markets, and workplaces. This section criminalizes careless handling or unsafe storage of fire or flammable material even before any fire actually breaks out, encouraging basic safety precautions. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, this offence continues under a renumbered section.