Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 435
repealedMischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees
Whoever commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, damage to any property to the amount of one hundred rupees or upwards or (where the property is agricultural produce) ten rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
Why this exists
This is one of several 'aggravated mischief' provisions that punish ordinary property damage (mischief) more severely when fire or explosives are used, because these methods are far more dangerous, harder to control, and can endanger lives and neighbouring property, not just the target itself. The low rupee threshold for agricultural produce reflects how devastating a crop fire can be to a farmer's livelihood even when the cash value looks small by today's standards.