BNS Section 117
What punishment does the law impose for voluntarily causing grievous hurt?
Short answer
The law punishes voluntary grievous hurt with up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine, or life imprisonment if it causes permanent disability.
In detail
If a person deliberately causes a hurt that is serious enough to be called grievous, the law treats it as a serious offence. The basic punishment is up to seven years in prison and a monetary fine. However, if the hurt leaves the victim with permanent disability or a persistent vegetative state, the punishment rises to at least ten years and can extend to life imprisonment. The law also covers situations where a group of five or more people act together to cause such hurt on the basis of a protected characteristic (like race, caste, sex, etc.); each member of that group faces the same maximum penalty. To be found guilty of voluntary grievous hurt, the person must either intend the hurt or know that it is likely to be grievous, and the hurt actually must be grievous.
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 is the difference between grievous hurt and simple hurt?
- Can a group of fewer than five people be punished for causing grievous hurt?
- What is the punishment for causing grievous hurt on the basis of race or caste?
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.