# Fouling public water? That is a crime.

> Fouling the water of a public spring or reservoir is an offence under section 277 PPC: up to 3 months, or fine, or both. Chapter XIV of the PPC also covers spreading deadly infection, breaking quarantine rules, poisoning the air of a neighbourhood and careless use of fire.

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 14-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/fouling-public-water-that-is-a-crime
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-11-06

## Myth or fact?

What people often think.

- **Myth: Public property belongs to no one. Dumping in it is not a crime.**
- **Fact: Fouling the water of a public spring or reservoir is a crime: up to 3 months, or fine, or both (PPC s.277).**

## The law.

Section 277, PPC.

> "Whoever voluntarily corrupts or fouls the water of any public spring or reservoir, so as to render it less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months ..." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 277)

## Public nuisance.

Section 268, PPC.

- **The act** Common injury, danger or annoyance to the public.
- **Or** To the people living or working nearby.
- **No excuse** That it is convenient for someone does not excuse it.

## Disease crimes.

Sections 269 to 271, PPC.

- **s.269 Negligent** An act likely to spread a deadly infection. Up to 6 months.
- **s.270 Malignant** The same, done with malice. Up to 2 years.
- **s.271 Quarantine** Knowingly breaking a quarantine rule. Up to 6 months.

## Water, air and fire.

Sections 277, 278, 285, PPC.

- **s.277 Water** Fouling a public spring or reservoir. Up to 3 months.
- **s.278 Air** Making the air harmful to the neighbourhood. Fine only.
- **s.285 Fire** Rash or careless with fire, endangering life. Up to 6 months.

## Quick quiz. The smoke.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

- **A. s.278, PPC**
- **B. s.277, PPC**
- **C. None, it is private land**

## Answer: A. Section 278.

Schedule II, CrPC.

- **The offence** Making the air noxious to people nearby or passing by.
- **Arrest** Police shall not arrest without a warrant.
- **Court** Any Judicial Magistrate.

## Who can be arrested?

Schedule II, CrPC.

- **Without a warrant** ss.269, 270, 277, 285.
- **Warrant needed** ss.278, 290.
- **All of them** Bailable. Not compoundable.

## The catch-all.

Section 290, PPC.

- **When** A public nuisance no other section punishes.
- **The penalty** Fine only.

## Careless with fire.

Section 285, PPC.

- **Doing** Any act with fire so rash it endangers life.
- **Not doing** Failing to guard a fire in your charge.
- **The term** Up to 6 months, or fine, or both.

## It happens near you?

Three steps, in this order.

- **Record it** Photos, dates, times, names of neighbours.
- **Report it** At the police station, with the section.
- **Or go to court** A private complaint to the Magistrate.

## Not sure?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

- **A factory drains waste into our village pond. Which law applies?**
- **What is public nuisance under section 268 PPC?**

## Sources

- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 277: Fouling water of public spring or reservoir

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