Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence
What this section does
Criminalises the administration of poison, stupefying, intoxicating, or unwholesome drugs or other substances to a person with intent to cause hurt, to commit or facilitate an offence, or with knowledge that hurt is likely to result.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description up to 10 years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Accused administered or caused to be taken by any person any poison, stupefying/intoxicating/unwholesome drug, or other thing
- Such administration was done with intent to cause hurt to that person, OR with intent to commit or facilitate the commission of an offence, OR with knowledge that hurt was likely to result
Practitioner note
The section covers a wide range of substances beyond classical poisons — any 'unwholesome' thing or substance capable of causing hurt suffices. Fine is mandatory in addition to imprisonment.
Derived from IPC s.328.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 123, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 123 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.