What is Section 279 IPC? Rash driving or riding on a public way
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 279 IPC: Rash driving or riding on a public way
Official Legal Text
Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, 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.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 279 punishes anyone who drives or rides a vehicle on a public road in a rash or negligent manner, endangering human life.
Purpose
To ensure road safety by penalizing rash and negligent driving that endangers public safety.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to 1,000 rupees, or both.
Key Elements
1. The person must drive or ride a vehicle. 2. The driving must be rash or negligent. 3. The act must endanger human life or cause harm.
Punishment Details
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.
Legal Defenses
If the person can prove they were driving carefully and any incident was purely accidental.
Judicial Interpretation
Courts focus on whether the driving was rash or negligent and whether it endangered public safety.
Illustration
If a person drives a car at high speed through a crowded market, they can be punished under Section 279.
FAQs
What does Section 279 IPC define?
Rash driving or riding on a public way.
When is Section 279 IPC applicable?
It applies to offences like rash driving or riding on a public way, fraud, negligence, or disruption of public safety.
Why is Section 279 IPC important?
It ensures accountability and prevents fraudulent, negligent, or dangerous activities.
Give an example involving Section 279 IPC.
Examples include counterfeit government stamps, adulterated food, negligent public danger acts, etc.
What is the punishment under Section 279 IPC?
Punishment may include imprisonment, fine, or both depending on the gravity of the act.
How do courts deal with Section 279 IPC violations?
Courts view these violations seriously to maintain public trust, health, and law and order.
How can offences under Section 279 IPC be prevented?
Awareness, regulatory compliance, and strict law enforcement can prevent such offences.