IPC 334→BNS 122(1)

IPC 334 to BNS 122(1): Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation

Section 334 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 122(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 334 →View BNS Section 122(1) →

IPC 334 to BNS 122(1) at a Glance

Section 334 IPC (Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation) is now Section 122(1) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 334 to BNS 122(1)?

Section 334 IPC is succeeded by Section 122(1) BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, hurt and grievous hurt on provocation are consolidated in Section 122 BNS, with simple hurt placed in sub-section 1. The maximum fine is increased from five hundred rupees under Section 334 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 122(1) BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment remains one month, and the substantive ingredients of the offence are unchanged.

IPC 334 vs BNS 122(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section334122(1)
OffenceVoluntarily causing hurt on provocationSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or fine, or both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month under both codes.
FineFine which may extend to five hundred rupees, alone or with imprisonment.Fine which may extend to five hundred rupees under the Indian Penal Code, or five thousand rupees under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 334 and BNS 122(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 334, IPC 1860

334. Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation.—Whoever voluntarily causes hurt on grave and sudden provocation, if he neither intends nor knows himself to be likely to cause hurt to any person other than the person who gave the provocation, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 122(1), BNS 2023

(1) Whoever voluntarily causes hurt on grave and sudden provocation, if he neither intends nor knows himself to be likely to cause hurt to any person other than the person who gave the provocation, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 334 vs BNS 122(1)

Under IPC 334
  1. The accused voluntarily caused hurt to another person
  2. The hurt was caused on grave and sudden provocation
  3. The accused neither intended nor knew himself to be likely to cause hurt to any person other than the person who gave the provocation
  4. The provocation was not sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an excuse for killing or doing harm to any person
  5. The provocation was not given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a public servant in the lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant
  6. The provocation was not given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence
Under BNS 122(1)
  1. Voluntarily causing hurt on grave and sudden provocation
  2. Neither intending nor knowing oneself to be likely to cause hurt to any person other than the person who gave the provocation

What IPC 334 to BNS 122(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 334 IPC (now Section 122(1) BNS): the substantive elements of the offence remain unchanged, but Section 122(1) BNS increases the maximum fine from five hundred rupees to five thousand rupees while preserving the one-month imprisonment ceiling. A prosecution for conduct taking place after the new code took effect cites Section 122(1) BNS and exposes the offender to the enhanced fine. The offence remains non-cognizable, bailable, and compoundable without court permission by the person hurt.

FAQs: IPC 334 to BNS 122(1)

What changed from Section 334 IPC to Section 122(1) BNS?▼

The maximum fine has been raised tenfold from five hundred rupees under Section 334 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 122(1) BNS, while the maximum imprisonment remains one month. The substantive ingredients are unchanged.

Where is Section 334 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 122(1) BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of hurt.

Does Section 334 IPC or Section 122(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 334 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 334 IPC. Section 122(1) 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 ·