Section 284 of IPC : Section 284: Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a farmer in a small village, uses pesticides to protect his crops. One day, he leaves a container of a highly toxic pesticide open and unattended in his field. A group of children playing nearby accidentally come into contact with the pesticide, resulting in severe poisoning and hospitalization. Ravi's negligent act of leaving the poisonous substance exposed and accessible to others endangers human life. Under Section 284 of the Indian Penal Code, Ravi can be charged for his negligent conduct with respect to the poisonous substance.

Example 2:

Sunita runs a small chemical manufacturing unit. She stores various chemicals, including some highly toxic substances, in her warehouse. Despite knowing the dangers, she fails to label the containers properly and does not implement adequate safety measures to prevent accidental exposure. One of her employees, unaware of the contents, mishandles a container and suffers serious injuries due to chemical burns. Sunita's failure to take sufficient precautions to guard against probable danger to human life from the poisonous substances in her possession makes her liable under Section 284 of the Indian Penal Code. She can be punished for her negligent conduct.

Example 3:

Ajay, a laboratory technician, is responsible for handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals in a research facility. One day, he carelessly disposes of a bottle containing a poisonous substance in a regular trash bin instead of following the proper hazardous waste disposal protocol. The cleaning staff, unaware of the danger, handle the trash and suffer from toxic exposure. Ajay's rash and negligent act of improper disposal of the poisonous substance endangers human life. Under Section 284 of the Indian Penal Code, Ajay can be held accountable for his actions and face legal consequences.

Example 4:

Meera, a pharmacist, stores various medicines, including some that are highly toxic if ingested in large quantities. She negligently leaves a bottle of a poisonous substance on the counter within reach of customers. A customer, mistaking it for a regular medicine, consumes it and falls seriously ill. Meera's failure to secure the poisonous substance and prevent access to it constitutes negligent conduct under Section 284 of the Indian Penal Code. She can be charged and punished for her actions.