🔹Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 304A – Death by Negligence
🔹Law Summary (English):
Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with causing death by negligence. It applies when someone’s careless or reckless act results in another person’s death, without intention or knowledge to cause death.
In simple terms, it covers deaths that happen due to accidents, medical negligence, or careless behavior, not deliberate murder.
🔹In Simple Hindi:
Agar kisi ki maut kisi ke laperwah ya beparwah vyavhar se ho jati hai — bina irade (intention) ke — to use IPC Section 304A ke tahat saja milti hai.
Jaise road accident me kisi driver ne rash driving ki aur kisi ki maut ho gayi, ya doctor ki galti se patient mar gaya — ye “death by negligence” ke case me aata hai.
🔹Important Points to Understand:
- No Intention to Kill:
Is section me “intention” nahi hoti, sirf “negligence” hoti hai. - Covers Accidental Deaths:
Jab kisi ka act careless ho aur uske wajah se kisi ki death ho jaye. - Common Examples:
- Rash or drunk driving causing accident deaths
- Doctor’s wrong treatment or surgical mistake
- Construction site safety failure leading to worker’s death
- Punishment:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
- Fine, or
- Both, as per the court’s decision
🔹Example (Real-Life Style):
- 🔹Road Accident:
Ravi was driving at a very high speed and ignored traffic signals. His car hit a pedestrian who died on the spot. - 🔹Here, Ravi didn’t intend to kill, but his negligence caused a death — so Section 304A IPC will apply.
- 🔹Medical Negligence:
A doctor gives the wrong injection without checking the patient’s allergy report, leading to the patient’s death. - 🔹The doctor can be charged under Section 304A IPC for negligent act causing death.
🔹Difference Between Section 304A, 304 & 304A:
| Point | Section 302 (Murder) | Section 304 (Culpable Homicide) | Section 304A (Negligence) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intention | Yes | Partial | No |
| Knowledge | Yes | Yes | No |
| Example | Planned killing | Fight or anger | Road accident |
| Punishment | Death / Life | Up to Life | Up to 2 Years or Fine |
🔹Real-World Impact:
Section 304A helps ensure that people act responsibly — whether driving, treating patients, or handling hazardous work. It protects the public from careless acts that can cost lives.
🔹In Short:
“Section 304A IPC – When someone’s careless act causes another person’s death, without any intention or knowledge, it’s called death by negligence.”
