IPC 321→BNS 115(1)

IPC 321 to BNS 115(1): Voluntarily causing hurt

Section 321 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 115(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 321 →View BNS Section 115(1) →

IPC 321 to BNS 115(1) at a Glance

Section 321 IPC (Voluntarily causing hurt) is now Section 115(1) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 321 to BNS 115(1)?

Section 321 IPC is succeeded by Section 115(1) BNS. The definition of voluntarily causing hurt through intention or knowledge of likelihood is enacted as sub-section 1 of Section 115 BNS, while punishment is placed directly in sub-section 2.

IPC 321 vs BNS 115(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section321115(1)
OffenceVoluntarily causing hurtSame
PunishmentSection 321 IPC is a definition and prescribes no penalty. Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt is enacted under Section 323 IPC.Section 115(1) BNS is a definition sub-section and prescribes no penalty. Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt is enacted under Section 115(2) BNS.
FineNo fine is prescribed in this definition section.No fine is prescribed in this definition sub-section.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 321 and BNS 115(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 321, IPC 1860

321. Voluntarily causing hurt.—Whoever does any act with the intention of thereby causing hurt to any person, or with the knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause hurt to any person, and does thereby cause hurt to any person, is said “voluntarily to cause hurt”.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 115(1), BNS 2023

(1) Whoever does any act with the intention of thereby causing hurt to any person, or with the knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause hurt to any person, and does thereby cause hurt to any person, is said “voluntarily to cause hurt”.

Ingredients: IPC 321 vs BNS 115(1)

Under IPC 321
  1. The accused did an act
  2. The act was done with the intention of thereby causing hurt to any person
  3. Or the act was done with the knowledge that the accused was likely thereby to cause hurt to any person
  4. The act did thereby cause hurt to any person
Under BNS 115(1)
  1. Doing an act with the intention of thereby causing hurt to any person
  2. Or doing an act with the knowledge that the doer is likely thereby to cause hurt to any person
  3. The act in fact causes hurt to any person

What IPC 321 to BNS 115(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 321 IPC (now Section 115(1) BNS): allegations involving conduct prior to 1 July 2024 apply the definition in Section 321 IPC, while conduct on or after that date is governed by Section 115(1) BNS. Because definitions do not prescribe penalties, police reports and formal charges must cite the corresponding penal provision, such as Section 323 IPC or Section 115(2) BNS.

FAQs: IPC 321 to BNS 115(1)

What is the BNS counterpart of Section 321 IPC?▼

Section 115(1) BNS corresponds to Section 321 IPC, codifying the definition of voluntarily causing hurt as the first sub-section.

Does Section 321 IPC contain a punishment clause?▼

No. Section 321 IPC defines the offence; punishment for voluntarily causing hurt is enacted under Section 323 IPC.

Does Section 321 IPC or Section 115(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Conduct taking place before 1 July 2024 is defined under Section 321 IPC, whereas later conduct falls under Section 115(1) 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 ·