IPC Section 336
IPC Section 336: Act Endangering Life or Personal Safety of Others
⚖️ Legal Text of Section 336:
Section 336:
Whoever does any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
🧾 Explanation:
Section 336 punishes rash or negligent acts that endanger the life or personal safety of others.
The key idea is endangering life or safety, even if no actual harm is caused.
The law aims to discourage careless behavior that could potentially cause injury or death.
✅ Key Elements of Section 336:
Act Must Be Rash or Negligent:
Rashness means acting without due consideration or caution.
Negligence means failure to take proper care in doing something.
Endangering Life or Personal Safety:
The act must put human life or personal safety at risk.
Actual injury need not occur; it’s enough that the act created a danger.
Mens Rea (Mental Element):
The act must be done voluntarily but without caution.
No intention to cause harm is required — the focus is on recklessness or carelessness.
Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 6 months (simple or rigorous).
Fine up to ₹500.
Or both.
👮♂️ Examples:
Driving a vehicle at a very high speed recklessly and endangering pedestrians.
Throwing stones from a rooftop without caring if someone below is hurt.
Negligently keeping dangerous animals without proper precautions, endangering neighbors.
Important Points:
This section is less severe than sections that require actual injury (e.g., Section 337 or 338).
It focuses on the risk or danger created, not on consequences.
Often used as a charge in accidents or unsafe acts where harm may have been avoided by chance.
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