IPC 320 → BNS 116: Grievous Hurt Def

Quick Summary: IPC 320 vs BNS 116

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 320 deals with grievous hurt def, part of the IPC's offences affecting the human body — homicide, hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal force, kidnapping and sexual offences, the largest group in the code. The BNS renumbers grievous hurt def as BNS 116 and, for several sexual and grievous-hurt offences, enhances the punishment.

What did IPC 320 cover?

IPC 320 dealt with grievous hurt def — definition of grievous hurt. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 116: What changed in the new law?

Adds 'permanent disability' explicitly. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to grievous hurt def are filed under BNS Section 116, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 116

N/A - Definition

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For grievous hurt def, the grading of the offence — and therefore bail and forum — turns on intention, the degree of hurt and aggravating factors; map IPC 320 carefully to BNS 116.
• Police officers: Record the nature and degree of injury and the weapon or means used; a new grievous hurt def FIR is filed under BNS 116.
• Law students & citizens: Punishment for grievous hurt def rises sharply with the seriousness of the harm and the victim — the IPC 320 to BNS 116 change does not lower it.