Hurt Under BNS: IPC Sections 323, 325, 324, 326, 326A, 326B, 332 and 333 – New Sections and Punishments Explained
Understanding criminal law becomes easier when the old IPC provisions are compared with the corresponding provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). Among the most frequently discussed offences are voluntarily causing hurt, grievous hurt, using dangerous weapons, acid attacks and causing injury to public servants.
The BNS came into force on 1 July 2024 and replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860 for offences committed under the new law. Several familiar IPC provisions have been renumbered. This is particularly important for advocates, law students, police officers, accused persons and complainants preparing or examining an FIR, charge sheet or criminal complaint.
This article explains the corresponding BNS provisions for IPC Sections 323, 324, 325, 326, 326A, 326B, 332 and 333. It also discusses the punishments, practical examples, important distinctions and the steps a person should consider after a physical assault.
Important correction: IPC Section 326B is the provision relating to throwing or attempting to throw acid. The reference to “326(8) IPC” in the question appears to be a typing error. The corresponding BNS provision is Section 124(2).
What Is Hurt Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Section 114 of the BNS defines “hurt”. A person causes hurt when he causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to another person.
For example, if a person punches another individual, causing pain, or strikes someone with a stick, the act may amount to hurt if the necessary legal ingredients are established.
Hurt and Grievous Hurt: The Difference
Not every physical injury is legally classified as grievous hurt. Section 116 of the BNS explains the legally recognised forms of grievous hurt.
These include:
- Permanent loss of sight of either eye.
- Permanent loss of hearing of either ear.
- Loss of a member or joint.
- Permanent impairment of the powers of a member or joint.
- Permanent disfiguration of the head or face.
- Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.
- Any hurt which endangers life, or causes severe bodily pain or inability to follow ordinary pursuits for fifteen days.
The medical classification of an injury and the legal classification of grievous hurt are closely connected, but they are not identical. The court considers the statutory definition, medical evidence and the facts of the case.
IPC to BNS: Important Hurt Provisions at a Glance
| IPC Section | Corresponding BNS Section | Offence | Maximum / Statutory Punishment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 323 | 115(2) | Voluntarily causing hurt | Up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both |
| 325 | 117(2) | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt | Up to 7 years imprisonment and fine |
| 324 | 118(1) | Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means | Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine up to ₹20,000, or both |
| 326 | 118(2) | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means | Life imprisonment, or 1–10 years imprisonment and fine |
| 326A | 124(1) | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by acid, etc. | Life imprisonment, or 1–10 years imprisonment and fine |
| 326B | 124(2) | Throwing or attempting to throw acid | 5–7 years imprisonment and fine |
| 332 | 121(1) | Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant | Up to 5 years imprisonment, or fine, or both |
| 333 | 121(2) | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant | 1–10 years imprisonment and fine |
Note: Punishments in this table are based on the statutory provisions. The court determines the actual sentence according to the evidence, applicable law and circumstances of the case.
1. BNS Section 115(2) – IPC Section 323: Voluntarily Causing Hurt
IPC Section 323 was the familiar provision for punishment for voluntarily causing hurt. Its corresponding provision is Section 115(2) of the BNS.
Meaning
This section applies where a person voluntarily causes hurt to another person, except in the special case covered by Section 122(1) concerning grave and sudden provocation.
The prosecution generally needs to establish:
- There was an act causing bodily pain, disease or infirmity.
- The accused intended to cause hurt or knew that hurt was likely.
- The act resulted in hurt.
- The relevant statutory ingredients are proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Punishment
Under BNS Section 115(2), the punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or fine which may extend to ₹10,000, or both.
Example
A and B have an argument. A intentionally slaps B, causing pain. If the legal ingredients are established, the conduct may attract Section 115(2).
Practical Point
A simple injury does not automatically mean that the case must be registered under Section 115(2). The facts, medical record, intention, available evidence and any other applicable offences must be examined.
2. BNS Section 117(2) – IPC Section 325: Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt
IPC Section 325 dealt with punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. The corresponding BNS provision is Section 117(2).
Meaning
This provision applies when a person voluntarily causes grievous hurt, except where the act falls under a more specific provision such as dangerous weapons or acid attacks.
Grievous hurt is defined under Section 116. A fracture, permanent disfiguration or other statutory category may qualify.
Punishment
Section 117(2) provides imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and fine.
Example
During a dispute, a person intentionally hits another individual, causing a fracture. If the injury and the other ingredients are proved, Section 117(2) may be applicable.
Evidence to Examine
- Wound certificate and medical examination report.
- X-ray, CT scan or other relevant medical records.
- Doctor’s opinion regarding fracture or other injury.
- Statements of eyewitnesses.
- Photographs, CCTV footage and other reliable evidence.
3. BNS Section 118(1) – IPC Section 324: Hurt by Dangerous Weapons or Means
IPC Section 324 concerned voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means. The corresponding BNS provision is Section 118(1).
Meaning
The provision concerns voluntarily causing hurt by means such as a dangerous weapon or instrument likely to cause death, or by fire, heated substances, poison, corrosive substances, explosives or other specified dangerous means.
Punishment
Section 118(1) provides imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine which may extend to ₹20,000, or both.
Example
If a person intentionally causes a cut injury using a dangerous instrument, the case may fall under Section 118(1), depending on the facts and the statutory ingredients.
Important: The mere presence of a weapon does not by itself establish every ingredient. The prosecution must prove the act, the nature of the means used, the injury and the required intention or knowledge.
4. BNS Section 118(2) – IPC Section 326: Grievous Hurt by Dangerous Weapons
IPC Section 326 dealt with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. The corresponding provision is Section 118(2) of the BNS.
Meaning
This is a serious offence because it combines two important factors: grievous hurt and the use of dangerous weapons or specified dangerous means.
The provision covers acts involving weapons or means referred to in Section 118(1), where grievous hurt is voluntarily caused.
Punishment
Under Section 118(2), the punishment is imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but may extend to ten years, and fine.
Example
A person intentionally attacks another with a dangerous weapon, causing a fracture or permanent facial disfiguration. If the injury is grievous and the other ingredients are proved, Section 118(2) may apply.
Why This Section Matters
The statutory minimum imprisonment is one year in the applicable term-of-years alternative. The court must consider the specific facts and the legally available sentencing options.
5. BNS Section 124(1) – IPC Section 326A: Acid Attack Causing Grievous Hurt
IPC Section 326A addressed voluntarily causing grievous hurt by the use of acid. The corresponding provision is BNS Section 124(1).
Meaning
This section deals with causing grievous hurt by throwing acid, administering acid or using another specified means, with the intention of causing or with knowledge that grievous hurt is likely to be caused.
Acid attacks can result in permanent disfiguration, loss of eyesight and severe physical and psychological consequences. The law therefore provides a particularly severe punishment.
Punishment
Section 124(1) provides imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but may extend to life, and fine.
The fine must be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the victim.
Example
If a person throws acid at another person and causes permanent facial disfiguration, the conduct may attract Section 124(1), subject to proof of the ingredients.
Practical Legal Point
Acid attack cases require urgent medical treatment, preservation of evidence, proper recording of the victim’s statement and investigation of the circumstances surrounding the attack.
6. BNS Section 124(2) – IPC Section 326B: Throwing or Attempting to Throw Acid
Correction to the commonly typed provision: The IPC equivalent is Section 326B, not “326(8)”. The BNS equivalent is Section 124(2).
Meaning
This provision deals with throwing or attempting to throw acid at a person, or attempting to administer acid, with the relevant intention or knowledge, even where grievous hurt is not actually caused.
Punishment
Section 124(2) provides imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but may extend to seven years, and fine.
Example
A person throws acid towards another individual but misses, or the act does not cause the grievous injury contemplated under Section 124(1). Depending on the facts, Section 124(2) may be applicable.
The precise charge depends on the evidence, the conduct and whether the ingredients of the provision are established.
7. BNS Section 121(1) – IPC Section 332: Hurt to Deter a Public Servant
IPC Section 332 dealt with voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty. Its corresponding BNS provision is Section 121(1).
Meaning
This section applies when a person voluntarily causes hurt to a public servant:
- While the public servant is discharging his duty as a public servant.
- With the intention of preventing or deterring that person or another public servant from discharging lawful duty.
- In consequence of something done or attempted in the lawful discharge of duty.
Punishment
Section 121(1) provides imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or fine, or both.
Example
During a lawful government inspection, a person intentionally assaults a public servant to prevent the officer from carrying out official duties. If hurt and the other statutory ingredients are proved, Section 121(1) may apply.
The public servant’s status, lawful discharge of duty and the connection between the assault and the official duty are important.
8. BNS Section 121(2) – IPC Section 333: Grievous Hurt to Deter a Public Servant
IPC Section 333 concerned voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant from his duty. The corresponding BNS provision is Section 121(2).
Meaning
This provision applies where grievous hurt is voluntarily caused to a public servant in the circumstances described in Section 121.
Punishment
Section 121(2) provides imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but may extend to ten years, and fine.
Example
A person intentionally attacks a police officer who is lawfully discharging official duty, causing a fracture. If the ingredients are proved, Section 121(2) may be applicable.
In such cases, the prosecution must establish both the injury and the statutory connection with the public servant’s lawful duty.
Important Legal Distinctions for Lawyers and Law Students
1. Hurt Is Not Always Grievous Hurt
A minor injury may fall under Section 115(2), while a fracture or other statutory grievous injury may attract Section 117(2). The medical evidence is often central.
2. Dangerous Weapons Increase the Seriousness
Where the statutory ingredients relating to dangerous weapons or means are satisfied, Section 118 may apply rather than the ordinary hurt provisions.
3. Acid Attack Provisions Are Separate
Sections 124(1) and 124(2) specifically deal with acid-related conduct. Section 124(1) concerns grievous hurt caused by acid, while Section 124(2) concerns throwing or attempting to throw acid.
4. Public Servant Cases Require a Duty Connection
Sections 121(1) and 121(2) are not automatically attracted merely because the injured person is a public servant. The relevant official duty and the required statutory connection must be established.
What Should a Victim Do After an Assault?
- Seek medical treatment: Obtain immediate medical attention and preserve the medical records.
- Report the incident: Approach the appropriate police station and provide the facts of the incident.
- Preserve evidence: Keep photographs, CCTV details, witness information, damaged clothing and other relevant material.
- Record the injury: Ensure the medical examination and injury details are properly documented.
- Consult a lawyer: Obtain advice on the appropriate offences, evidence, bail, compensation and other remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 323?
The corresponding provision is BNS Section 115(2), which provides punishment for voluntarily causing hurt.
2. What is the punishment under BNS Section 115(2)?
The punishment may extend to one year imprisonment, or a fine up to ₹10,000, or both.
3. What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 325?
IPC Section 325 corresponds to BNS Section 117(2), relating to voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
4. What is the punishment for BNS Section 117(2)?
The punishment is imprisonment up to seven years and fine.
5. Which BNS section corresponds to IPC Section 324?
IPC Section 324 corresponds to BNS Section 118(1), concerning voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
6. Which BNS section corresponds to IPC Section 326?
IPC Section 326 corresponds to BNS Section 118(2), concerning voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
7. What is the BNS section for IPC Section 326A?
IPC Section 326A corresponds to BNS Section 124(1), which deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by acid, etc.
8. What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 326B?
IPC Section 326B corresponds to BNS Section 124(2), concerning throwing or attempting to throw acid.
9. What are the BNS equivalents of IPC Sections 332 and 333?
IPC Section 332 corresponds to BNS Section 121(1), and IPC Section 333 corresponds to BNS Section 121(2). They concern hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from lawful duty.
10. Is every fracture automatically an offence under BNS Section 117(2)?
A fracture is a statutory category of grievous hurt, but the prosecution must still establish the other ingredients of the applicable offence. The exact section may depend on whether dangerous weapons or other special circumstances are involved.
Conclusion
The transition from the IPC to the BNS has changed the numbering of several familiar criminal offences. For hurt-related cases, the most important provisions are Sections 115(2), 117(2), 118(1), 118(2), 121(1), 121(2), 124(1) and 124(2).
Understanding the difference between simple hurt, grievous hurt, dangerous-weapon injuries, acid attacks and injuries to public servants helps in identifying the appropriate legal provision. However, the correct section cannot be decided by the injury label alone. The facts, medical evidence, intention, statutory ingredients and applicable procedural law must be examined carefully.
For legal education, case preparation and professional practice, always verify the current statutory text and the applicable procedural provisions before relying on a section in court.
Related Legal Articles
- Marital Counselling and Family Dispute Resolution
- Matrimonial & Family Litigation: Important Petitions
- Pavan Law Chambers – Legal Education and Consultancy
Authoritative Legal Source
For the official text of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, refer to the India Code – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Disclaimer: This article is for general legal education and awareness. It is not a substitute for legal advice. Criminal liability and punishment depend on the facts, evidence and applicable law. Consult a qualified advocate for advice concerning a particular case.
Social Media Captions
IPC నుంచి BNSకి మారిన తర్వాత Hurt & Grievous Hurt కేసుల్లో సెక్షన్లు ఎలా మారాయి? ⚖️
IPC 323 → BNS 115(2)
IPC 325 → BNS 117(2)
IPC 324 → BNS 118(1)
IPC 326 → BNS 118(2)
IPC 326A → BNS 124(1)
IPC 326B → BNS 124(2)
IPC 332 → BNS 121(1)
IPC 333 → BNS 121(2)
పనిష్మెంట్స్, గాయాల చట్టపరమైన వర్గీకరణ, Dangerous Weapons, Acid Attacks, Public Servantsపై దాడుల గురించి పూర్తి వివరాలు చదవండి.
Read the complete legal guide:
https://pavanlawchambers.blogspot.com/2026/09/bns-hurt-sections-ipc-323-333-punishments.html
#BNS #IPC #CriminalLaw #Hurt #GrievousHurt #LegalAwareness #PavanLawChambers
IPC to BNS: Hurt & Grievous Hurt Sections Explained ⚖️
323 → 115(2) | 325 → 117(2) | 324 → 118(1) | 326 → 118(2) | 326A → 124(1) | 326B → 124(2) | 332 → 121(1) | 333 → 121(2)
Know the punishments and important legal differences.
Full article: https://pavanlawchambers.blogspot.com/2026/09/bns-hurt-sections-ipc-323-333-punishments.html
#BNS2023 #IPCSections #CriminalLawIndia #LawStudents #LegalEducation #IndianLaw #PavanLawChambers
YouTube
Title: IPC to BNS: Hurt Sections 323–333 | Punishments Explained
IPC నుంచి BNSకి మారిన Hurt & Grievous Hurt సెక్షన్ల పూర్తి వివరణ. BNS 115(2), 117(2), 118, 121, 124 కింద శిక్షలు, Acid Attack Laws, Dangerous Weapons మరియు Public Servantsపై దాడులకు సంబంధించిన ముఖ్యమైన న్యాయాంశాలను తెలుసుకోండి.
Full Article:
https://pavanlawchambers.blogspot.com/2026/09/bns-hurt-sections-ipc-323-333-punishments.html
#BNS #CriminalLaw #LegalAwareness #IndianLaw #LawStudents
Threads
IPC నుంచి BNSకి మారిన Hurt & Grievous Hurt provisions తెలుసుకోండి ⚖️
IPC 323 → BNS 115(2)
IPC 325 → BNS 117(2)
IPC 324 → BNS 118(1)
IPC 326 → BNS 118(2)
IPC 326A → BNS 124(1)
IPC 326B → BNS 124(2)
IPC 332 → BNS 121(1)
IPC 333 → BNS 121(2)
Complete guide: https://pavanlawchambers.blogspot.com/2026/09/bns-hurt-sections-ipc-323-333-punishments.html
WhatsApp Status
IPC → BNS ⚖️
Hurt & Grievous Hurt Sections and Punishments Explained.
323→115(2) | 325→117(2) | 324→118(1) | 326→118(2)
326A→124(1) | 326B→124(2) | 332→121(1) | 333→121(2)
Full Legal Article:
https://pavanlawchambers.blogspot.com/2026/09/bns-hurt-sections-ipc-323-333-punishments.html