Section 277.   Sale of adulterated drugs.

Whoever, knowing any drug or medical preparation to have been
adulterated in such a manner as to lessen its efficacy, to change its operation, or to render it noxious, sells
the same, or offers or exposes it for sale, or issues it from any dispensary for medicinal purposes as
unadulterated, or causes it to be used for medicinal purposes by any person not knowing of the
adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.