Section 114 BNS: Hurt
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 114 BNS at a Glance
Section 114 BNS deals with hurt. It replaced Section 319 IPC on 1 July 2024.
Section 114 BNS is a definition and prescribes no punishment. Voluntarily causing hurt is punished under Section 115(2) BNS.
Section 114 BNS Bare Act Text
114. Hurt
Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.
Source: Section 114, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 114 BNS in Simple Words
Section 114 BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) defines hurt. In simple terms, a person causes hurt when they cause bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to another person. The law does not require a serious injury.
Even a minor injury can fall within this section if it causes bodily pain or some physical impairment. This section applies where one person’s act directly leads to physical suffering or weakness in another person. It is often used in cases involving assaults, scuffles, road rage, workplace violence, or any act that results in injury.
The practical significance is that it forms the basic starting point for many criminal cases involving bodily harm. Once hurt is proved, the court then looks at whether the act is simple hurt or a graver offence under other provisions.
Ingredients of Section 114 BNS
- Causing bodily pain to any person
- Causing disease to any person
- Causing infirmity to any person
Punishment Under Section 114 BNS
Section 114 BNS is a definition and prescribes no punishment. Voluntarily causing hurt is punished under Section 115(2) BNS.
No fine is prescribed in this definition section.
Section 114 BNS defines hurt as causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person. It is a definitional provision without a separate punishment, and punishing provisions include Section 115(2) BNS.
Example of Section 114 BNS
When Section 114 BNS Does Not Apply
- No bodily pain, disease or infirmity was caused to any person
- The act damaged property alone and caused no bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person
Section 114 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)
Section 114 BNS replaces Section 319 IPC from the old criminal code.
Section 319 IPC is succeeded by Section 114 BNS. The title, definition of hurt as bodily pain, disease, or infirmity caused to any person, and its role as a foundational definition remain identical.
View IPC Section 319 →FAQs on Section 114 BNS
What is the meaning of hurt under Section 114 BNS?▼
It means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to another person. The injury need not be major or visible. Even temporary pain or weakness can be enough if it is caused by the accused’s act.
Is every injury treated as hurt under Section 114 BNS?▼
Not every injury automatically qualifies. The prosecution must show that the accused’s act caused bodily pain, disease, or infirmity. A mere allegation without proof of causation is not enough.
Does Section 114 BNS itself provide punishment?▼
No. Section 114 BNS only gives the definition of hurt. The actual punishment for simple hurt is generally covered under Section 115(2) BNS, unless the facts attract a more serious provision.
Why is Section 114 BNS still important in criminal cases?▼
It is the base definition used to decide whether an act amounts to hurt. Courts and police rely on it to classify injuries and decide which charging section should apply next.
Have questions about Section 114 BNS?
Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.
Ask NyayGuru →Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.
Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·