IPC 333→BNS 121(2)

IPC 333 to BNS 121(2): Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty

Section 333 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 121(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 333 →View BNS Section 121(2) →

IPC 333 to BNS 121(2) at a Glance

Section 333 IPC (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty) is now Section 121(2) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 333 to BNS 121(2)?

Section 333 IPC is succeeded by Section 121(2) BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, hurt and grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty are combined in Section 121 BNS, with grievous hurt placed in sub-section 2. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduces a minimum term of imprisonment of one year, while keeping the maximum punishment at imprisonment of either description for up to ten years and liability to fine. The substantive ingredients of the offence remain unchanged.

IPC 333 vs BNS 121(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section333121(2)
OffenceVoluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his dutySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years under the Indian Penal Code; imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to ten years under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
FineThe offender shall also be liable to fine.The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under both codes.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 333 and BNS 121(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 333, IPC 1860

333. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty.—Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 121(2), BNS 2023

(2) Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 333 vs BNS 121(2)

Under IPC 333
  1. The accused voluntarily caused grievous hurt to any person
  2. The person hurt was a public servant
  3. The grievous hurt was caused to that public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant
Under BNS 121(2)
  1. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to any person being a public servant
  2. In the discharge of duty as such public servant, with intent to prevent or deter discharge of duty, or in consequence of anything done or attempted in the lawful discharge of duty

What IPC 333 to BNS 121(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 333 IPC (now Section 121(2) BNS): the essential ingredients remain unchanged, but Section 121(2) BNS prescribes a minimum imprisonment of one year while retaining the ten-year maximum. A prosecution for conduct committed after the new code took effect cites Section 121(2) BNS and requires at least one year of imprisonment upon conviction. The classification as cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by the Court of Session continues unchanged.

FAQs: IPC 333 to BNS 121(2)

What changed from Section 333 IPC to Section 121(2) BNS?▼

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduces a minimum term of imprisonment of one year for voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant, keeping the maximum term at ten years and liability to fine. The substantive elements are unchanged.

Where is Section 333 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 121(2) BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of hurt.

Does Section 333 IPC or Section 121(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 333 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 333 IPC. Section 121(2) BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

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 ·