BNS Section 116
What injuries are classified as grievous hurt under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Short answer
Grievous hurt includes emasculation, permanent loss of sight or hearing, loss or permanent damage to a limb or joint, permanent facial disfigurement, bone or tooth fracture/dislocation, or any injury that endangers life or causes severe pain for 15 days.
In detail
Under Section 116 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the law lists specific injuries that are called "grievous hurt." These are: (a) emasculation, which means loss of the male reproductive organ; (b) permanent loss of sight in either eye; (c) permanent loss of hearing in either ear; (d) loss of any limb or joint; (e) permanent damage that weakens the function of any limb or joint; (f) permanent disfigurement of the head or face; (g) fracture or dislocation of a bone or a tooth; and (h) any injury that puts a person's life at risk or causes them to endure severe bodily pain or be unable to carry out normal activities for at least fifteen days. If an injury matches any of these descriptions, it is treated as grievous hurt, which carries a higher level of legal seriousness than simple hurt.
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 punishment does the law prescribe for grievous hurt?
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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.