Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 286
repealedNegligent conduct with respect to explosive substance
Whoever does, with any explosive substance, any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any explosive substance in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from that substance, 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.
Why this exists
Explosives, from fireworks to industrial blasting material, pose extreme danger if mishandled. This section makes reckless or negligent handling or storage of explosives a criminal offence, independent of the Explosives Act which separately regulates licensing and manufacture. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, this offence continues under a renumbered section.