Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation

What this section does

Punishes assault or use of criminal force against a person where the act is not provoked by grave and sudden provocation from the victim. Two explanations clarify that provocation self-induced, provocation arising from lawful acts of public servants, or provocation from lawful exercise of private defence will not mitigate punishment, and whether provocation was grave and sudden is a question of fact.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description up to 3 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.

Triable by

Any Magistrate

Cognizable

No

Bailable

Yes

Compoundable

Yes

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused assaulted or used criminal force against another person
2. The act was not occasioned by grave and sudden provocation given by that person
3. If provocation is claimed, it must not have been self-sought, nor arising from lawful acts of a public servant, nor from lawful exercise of private defence

Derived from IPC s.352.