IPC 324→BNS 118(1)

IPC 324 to BNS 118(1): Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means

Section 324 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 118(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 324 →View BNS Section 118(1) →

IPC 324 to BNS 118(1) at a Glance

Section 324 IPC (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) is now Section 118(1) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 324 to BNS 118(1)?

Section 324 IPC is succeeded by Section 118(1) BNS. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita consolidates hurt and grievous hurt by dangerous weapons into Section 118 BNS, with simple hurt placed in sub-section 1. While the maximum term of imprisonment remains three years, Section 118(1) BNS introduces a specific ceiling on fine of up to twenty thousand rupees. The exception for grave and sudden provocation references Section 122(1) BNS instead of Section 334 IPC.

IPC 324 vs BNS 118(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section324118(1)
OffenceVoluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or meansSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees, or with both.
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. The section sets no limit on the fine.Fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees. The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 324 and BNS 118(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 324, IPC 1860

324. Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.—Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 118(1), BNS 2023

(1) Whoever, except in the case provided for by sub-section (1) of section 122, voluntarily causes hurt by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance, or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 324 vs BNS 118(1)

Under IPC 324
  1. The accused voluntarily caused hurt to a person
  2. The hurt was caused by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death
  3. Or the hurt was caused by means of fire or any heated substance, any poison or any corrosive substance, any explosive substance, any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or any animal
  4. The case is not one provided for by Section 334 IPC, which covers hurt caused on grave and sudden provocation
Under BNS 118(1)
  1. Voluntarily causing hurt, except in the case provided for by Section 122(1) BNS
  2. By means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death
  3. Or by means of fire or any heated substance, any poison or any corrosive substance, any explosive substance, any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or any animal

What IPC 324 to BNS 118(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 324 IPC (now Section 118(1) BNS): an act done before 1 July 2024 is prosecuted under Section 324 IPC, and an act done on or after that date under Section 118(1) BNS, where the fine may extend to twenty thousand rupees. The offence is bailable, so the accused is entitled to bail as of right.

FAQs: IPC 324 to BNS 118(1)

What is the BNS counterpart of Section 324 IPC?▼

Section 118(1) BNS replaces Section 324 IPC as the provision governing hurt caused by dangerous weapons or means.

Did the punishment change under Section 118(1) BNS?▼

The maximum imprisonment remains three years, but Section 118(1) BNS adds a specific fine limit of up to twenty thousand rupees.

Does Section 324 IPC or Section 118(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Offences committed prior to 1 July 2024 are prosecuted under Section 324 IPC, while later incidents fall under Section 118(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 ·