● Modified in BNS
Public nuisance not otherwise specifically punished elsewhere in the code carries a fine up to Rs 1,000 under BNS Section 292 -- five times the old IPC 290's Rs 200 ceiling, with no imprisonment option either way.
Section 290 IPC punished committing a public nuisance not otherwise specifically punished by the Code with fine only, up to Rs 200 -- no imprisonment option was available for this residual offence.
BNS Section 292 reproduces the offence unchanged in structure -- still fine-only, with no imprisonment option -- but raises the maximum fine fivefold, from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000.
Structure unchanged (fine-only, no imprisonment). The maximum fine rises fivefold, from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000.
Fine up to Rs 1,000 (no imprisonment prescribed)..
IPC 290 is bailable..
This is a non-cognizable. offence.
Non-compoundable..
Matters under IPC 290 are tried before the Any Magistrate..
Common defences include the act or omission not meeting the statutory definition of a public nuisance, and the conduct being specifically punished elsewhere in the code (which would take it outside this residual provision).
Summaries are for general information and are not legal advice. For the authoritative bare-act text, see the official Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Indian Penal Code, 1860 (full amended text, as it stood before repeal) on India Code, or the Ministry of Home Affairs' new criminal laws page. ← All comparisons