BNS Section 133
What are the penalties for assaulting someone to dishonour them without provocation?
Short answer
The offender can be imprisoned up to two years, fined, or both.
In detail
Section 133 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 makes it a criminal offence to assault or use criminal force against a person with the intention of dishonouring them, unless the act is done in response to a grave and sudden provocation by that person. Dishonour means causing loss of reputation or respect. If a person is found guilty, the court may sentence them to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. The court may also impose a monetary fine, or it may order both imprisonment and a fine. The law does not apply if the victim’s provocation is considered grave and sudden; in that case the offence is not committed under this section.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- What does "dishonour" mean in this context?
- Can self‑defence be used as a defense for this offence?
- What is the difference between grave provocation and sudden provocation?
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.