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IPC Section 276 - Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
Last Updated: 01 Nov, 2026
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
(The upper limit of fine is increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees.)
Please refer to BNS 278 for updated procedures & punishments.
Whoever knowingly sells, or offers or exposes for sale, or issues from a dispensary for medicinal purposes, any drug or medical preparation, as a different drug or medical preparation, 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.
IPC 276 in Simple Words
According to section 276 of the Indian Penal Code, if anyone knowingly sells or offers a drug or medical preparation as a different one, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.
Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowingly selling or issuing from a dispensary any drug or medical preparation as a different drug or medical preparation | 6 Months or Fine or Both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Offence : Knowingly selling or issuing from a dispensary any drug or medical preparation as a different drug or medical preparation
Punishment : 6 Months or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : Any Magistrate
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