IPC 320→BNS 116

IPC 320 to BNS 116: Grievous hurt

Section 320 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 116 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 320 →View BNS Section 116 →

IPC 320 to BNS 116 at a Glance

Section 320 IPC (Grievous hurt) is now Section 116 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 320 to BNS 116?

Section 320 IPC is succeeded by Section 116 BNS. The eight clauses are now lettered from a to h rather than First to Eighthly. In the eighth clause, the period of severe bodily pain or inability to follow ordinary pursuits is reduced from twenty days to fifteen days.

IPC 320 vs BNS 116: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section320116
OffenceGrievous hurtSame
PunishmentSection 320 IPC is a definition and does not prescribe punishment. Penalties for voluntarily causing grievous hurt are prescribed in Section 325 and Section 326 IPC.Section 116 BNS is a definition section and does not prescribe punishment. Penalties for voluntarily causing grievous hurt are prescribed in Section 117 and Section 118 BNS.
FineNo fine is prescribed in this definition section.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 320 and BNS 116: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 320, IPC 1860

320. Grievous hurt.—The following kinds of hurt only are designated as “grievous”:— First.—Emasculation. Secondly.—Permanent privation of the sight of either eye. Thirdly.—Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear. Fourthly.—Privation of any member or joint. Fifthly.—Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint. Sixthly.—Permanent disfiguration of the head or face. Seventhly.—Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth. Eighthly.—Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of twenty days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 116, BNS 2023

The following kinds of hurt only are designated as “grievous”, namely:— (a) Emasculation; (b) Permanent privation of the sight of either eye; (c) Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear; (d) Privation of any member or joint; (e) Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint; (f) Permanent disfiguration of the head or face; (g) Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth; (h) Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of fifteen days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.

Ingredients: IPC 320 vs BNS 116

Under IPC 320
  1. Emasculation
  2. Permanent privation of the sight of either eye
  3. Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear
  4. Privation of any member or joint
  5. Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint
  6. Permanent disfiguration of the head or face
  7. Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth
  8. Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of twenty days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits
Under BNS 116
  1. Emasculation
  2. Permanent privation of sight in either eye or hearing in either ear under clauses b and c
  3. Privation, destruction, or permanent impairing of any member or joint
  4. Permanent disfiguration of head or face, or fracture or dislocation of bone or tooth
  5. Hurt endangering life or causing fifteen days of severe bodily pain or inability to follow ordinary pursuits under Section 116 BNS

What IPC 320 to BNS 116 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 320 IPC (now Section 116 BNS): allegations involving injuries sustained prior to 1 July 2024 are assessed under Section 320 IPC, requiring proof of twenty days of incapacity for the eighth limb. Injuries occurring on or after that date are governed by Section 116 BNS, where the threshold is reduced to fifteen days. Definitional sections carry no independent procedure; charges must cite substantive penal provisions such as Section 325 IPC or Section 117(2) BNS.

FAQs: IPC 320 to BNS 116

What is the primary change in grievous hurt under Section 116 BNS?▼

Under Section 116 BNS, the duration of severe bodily pain or inability to follow ordinary pursuits under the final clause is reduced from twenty days to fifteen days.

Does Section 320 IPC prescribe any punishment on its own?▼

No. Section 320 IPC is solely a definition; punishment for causing grievous hurt is prescribed under Section 325 and Section 326 IPC.

Does Section 320 IPC or Section 116 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Injuries inflicted before 1 July 2024 are evaluated under the definition in Section 320 IPC, whereas subsequent injuries are assessed under Section 116 BNS.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·