Criminal LawSection 326, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

BNS Section 326

What are the punishments for damaging water supply or roads?

Short answer

Damaging water supply or roads can lead to up to 5 years imprisonment, fines, or both; using explosives can lead to up to 7 years or life imprisonment, plus fines.

In detail

If someone does something that reduces the amount of water available for farming or for drinking, or makes a road, bridge, river or channel unsafe or hard to use, the law says they can be jailed for up to five years, fined, or both. The same penalty applies if the act makes a public drainage or a natural waterway dangerous or blocked. If a person destroys or moves a sign that helps ships, trains or planes find their way, the punishment can be up to seven years in jail, a fine, or both. Moving or damaging a landmark set by a public official can lead to up to one year in jail, a fine, or both. If a person sets fire or uses an explosive to damage property, the jail term can be up to seven years and a fine. If the fire or explosive is used to destroy a place of worship, a home or a building that holds property, the punishment can be life imprisonment, up to ten years, and a fine.

Reviewed by LegalX Editorial · 3 September 2026View source

Related questions

People also ask

  • What is the punishment for destroying a landmark?
  • Can I be fined for obstructing a public drainage?
  • What are the penalties for using explosives on a building?
Ask a lawyer these questions

Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.

Chat with us