Contents of the OSH Code

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

Section 103. Punishment for contravention of provisions of duties relating to safety provisions resulting in an accident

In force since 21 Nov 2025Chapter XII — Offences and Penalties

Official text

(1) If a person fails to comply with or contravenes any duties under this Code or the regulations, rules, bye-laws or orders made thereunder and such non-compliance or contravention has resulted in an accident or dangerous occurrences causing—

(a) death, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with a fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees, or with both; or

(b) serious bodily injury to any person within the establishment, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with a fine which shall not be less than two lakh rupees but not exceeding four lakh rupees, or with both:

Provided that while imposing the fine under this section, the court may direct that a portion of the fine, which shall not be less than fifty per cent. thereof, shall be given as compensation to the victim or to the legal heirs of the victim, in the case of his death.

(2) Where a person having been convicted under sub-section (1) is again convicted thereunder, shall be punishable with double the punishment provided under that sub-section for first conviction.

Source: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, Act No. 37 of 2020 — Gazette of India, p. 56 of the PDF. Open our copy at p. 56 · official download · all sources

Commencement In force since 21 Nov 2025

Notification wording (1)
  • S.O. 5321(E), in force from 21 Nov 2025: “the Central Government hereby appoints the 21st day of November, 2025 as the date on which the provisions of the said Code, shall come into force”