Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
What this section does
Defines 'voluntarily causing grievous hurt' and prescribes graduated punishments. The basic offence carries up to 7 years imprisonment; an aggravated form resulting in permanent disability or persistent vegetative state carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment. A group offence provision (5 or more persons acting in concert on discriminatory grounds) also attracts up to 7 years.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Basic offence (s.117(2)): imprisonment of either description up to 7 years + fine. Aggravated offence causing permanent disability or persistent vegetative state (s.117(3)): rigorous imprisonment not less than 10 years up to life (remainder of natural life). Group offence by 5+ persons on discriminatory grounds (s.117(4)): imprisonment of either description up to 7 years + fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- Depends
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused voluntarily caused hurt
- The hurt intended or known to be likely to be caused was grievous hurt
- The hurt actually caused was grievous hurt
- The case is not covered by s.122(2) (grievous hurt on provocation)
Practitioner note
Sub-section (3) introduces a new aggravated category — permanent disability or persistent vegetative state — with a mandatory minimum of 10 years rigorous imprisonment. Sub-section (4) targets hate-crime-type group violence on grounds of race, caste, community, sex, place of birth, language, or personal belief. The Explanation clarifies that the accused need not intend the exact kind of grievous hurt that results.
- IPC Section 324 — Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons
- IPC Section 325 — Voluntarily causing grievous hurt — punishment
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 117, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 117 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.