Context: During the coronavirus outbreak, penal provisions, such as Sections 269 and 270 of the IPC, are being invoked to enforce the lockdown orders in various states. Sections 269 and 270 have been used to book persons defying quarantine orders for containing the spread of the pandemic?.

About the Penal Provisions of IPC

• Section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) provides for a jail term of six months and/or fine.
• Section 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) provides for a jail term of two years and/or fine.
• The term ‘malignantly’ mentioned in section 270 indicates a deliberate intention on the part of the accused.
• Sections 269 and 270 are mentioned under Chapter XIV of the Indian Penal Code, which is ‘Of Offences Affecting The Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals’.
• Both Sections have been used for over a century to punish those disobeying orders issued for containing epidemics.