Section 124 BNS: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 124 BNS at a Glance

Section 124 BNS deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc. It is non-bailable and cognizable; it replaced Sections 326A and 326B IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 326A →

Section 124 BNS Bare Act Text

(1) Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or maims or disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt or causes a person to be in a permanent vegetative state shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine:

Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the victim:

Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.

(2) Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation 1.

For the purposes of this section, “acid” includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability.

Explanation 2.

For the purposes of this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity or permanent vegetative state shall not be required to be irreversible.

Source: Section 124, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 124 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 124 BNS replaced Sections 326A and 326B IPC from 1 July 2024.

Each sub-section below names its own source.

FAQs on Section 124 BNS

Under Section 124(1) BNS, is acid attack covered even if the victim does not die?▼

Yes. The offence is complete if grievous hurt is caused by acid or a similar corrosive substance. Death is not required for this provision to apply.

Can Section 124(1) BNS apply if acid was not thrown directly on the body?▼

Yes, if the acid was used in a way that caused grievous hurt. The exact manner of use matters less than the result and the accused’s intention or knowledge.

Is bail available in cases under Section 124(1) BNS?▼

This is a non-bailable offence. Bail, if granted, depends on the facts of the case, the evidence, and the court’s discretion.

Under Section 124(1) BNS, what compensation does the victim get?▼

The court must impose a fine that is just and reasonable, and it should be used to cover treatment and rehabilitation. In many cases, compensation may also be supported by victim compensation schemes.

Is actual injury necessary for Section 124(2) BNS?▼

No. An attempt is enough if the prosecution proves the required intention. The law punishes the act of throwing or trying to throw acid, even if the victim escapes without injury.

What is the difference between Section 124(2) BNS and Section 124(1) BNS?▼

Section 124(1) BNS deals with causing permanent or partial damage by acid, so actual injury is central there. Section 124(2) BNS covers the throwing or attempted throwing itself, even where the attack does not succeed.

Is the offence under Section 124(2) BNS bailable?▼

No, it is generally treated as a non-bailable offence. The accused usually has to seek bail from the court, and the facts of the case matter a lot.

Can a case under Section 124(2) BNS be withdrawn by compromise?▼

No, it is not compoundable. Since it is a grave offence against the person, the victim and accused cannot simply settle it privately and end the case.

Section 124 BNS: Sub-sections Explained

Section 124(1) BNS: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc

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Bare Act Text

(1) Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or maims or disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt or causes a person to be in a permanent vegetative state shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine:

Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the victim:

Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.

Explained in Simple Words

Section 124 BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with causing grievous hurt by using acid or any similar corrosive substance. It applies where a person intentionally throws acid, administers it, or uses it in a way that causes serious injury, disfigurement, or permanent damage. The law is meant to punish one of the most severe forms of violent attack, especially those that leave lasting physical and emotional harm. This provision is usually invoked in cases of revenge, rejection, family disputes, or personal enmity.

The prosecution must show that the accused acted with intent or knowledge and that the act caused grievous hurt. In practice, this section is significant because it carries very severe punishment and also reflects the law’s strong stance against acid violence. It is often read with related provisions on attempt, common intention, and compensation to the victim.

Key Ingredients

  • Throwing acid on, administering acid to, or using any other means on another person
  • Causing permanent or partial damage or deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, grievous hurt, or a permanent vegetative state
  • Acting with the intention of causing such injury or hurt, or with the knowledge that such injury or hurt is likely to be caused

Punishment

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session ⓘ

🔒 Imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine.

💰 The fine is mandatory, must be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the victim, and must be paid to the victim.

Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid carries imprisonment of either description for not less than ten years extending up to life imprisonment, and a mandatory fine payable to the victim to meet medical expenses. The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, triable by the Court of Session, and not compoundable.

Real-World Example

Outside a commercial market in Bareilly, Suresh confronted Neha after a prolonged personal dispute. Suresh uncapped a glass container of concentrated sulphuric acid and threw the liquid directly across her face and neck. The chemical burns destroyed facial tissue and caused permanent disfigurement to the face of Neha. Suresh acted with the intention of causing permanent damage and disfigurement by throwing acid. Suresh is punishable under Section 124(1) BNS for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by the use of acid.

When This Does Not Apply

  • The accused did not throw acid on, administer acid to, or use any other means on any person
  • The act did not cause permanent or partial damage or deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, grievous hurt, or a permanent vegetative state
  • The accused acted without the intention of causing such injury or hurt, and without the knowledge that he was likely to cause such injury or hurt

Previous Law

IPC 326A → Section 124(1) BNS

Section 326A IPC is succeeded by Section 124(1) BNS. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita consolidates acid offences into Section 124(1) BNS, placing causing grievous hurt by acid in sub-section 1. Section 124(1) BNS adds causing a person to be in a permanent vegetative state as an express result of the offence. The punishment remains unchanged, prescribing imprisonment of either description for not less than ten years extending up to imprisonment for life, and with fine. Both statutory provisos are retained, requiring that the fine be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the victim and that any fine imposed under the sub-section be paid directly to the victim.

Section 124(2) BNS: Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid

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Bare Act Text

(2) Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation 1.

For the purposes of this section, “acid” includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability.

Explanation 2.

For the purposes of this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity or permanent vegetative state shall not be required to be irreversible.

Explanation

1.—For the purposes of this section, “acid” includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability.

Explained in Simple Words

Section 124(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with a very serious act: throwing acid, or even trying to throw acid, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage, deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt. The law also covers attempts, so actual injury is not required. If the act is done with the required intent, liability can still arise even when the acid does not hit the victim. This provision applies to any person who intentionally uses acid as a weapon against another person.

It is meant to punish not only the harm caused, but also the extreme danger created by such conduct. In practice, this section is used in violent personal disputes, revenge attacks, and assault cases where corrosive substances are used. It is an important deterrent because acid attacks often leave lifelong physical and psychological scars.

Key Ingredients

  • Throwing or attempting to throw acid, attempting to administer acid, or attempting to use any other means on any person
  • Using a substance of acidic or corrosive character or burning nature capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars, disfigurement, or disability
  • Intending to cause permanent or partial damage, deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt

Punishment

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court of Session ⓘ

🔒 Imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

💰 The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment.

Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid carries imprisonment of either description for not less than five years extending up to seven years, and liability to fine. The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, triable by the Court of Session, and not compoundable.

Real-World Example

In an alley behind a commercial market in Meerut, Rajesh waited for Priya after a prolonged dispute. As Priya walked past, Rajesh unscrewed the cap of a glass container filled with nitric acid and hurled the contents directly towards her face, shouting that he intended to disfigure her. Priya stepped aside quickly and the acid splashed against a brick wall without touching her skin or clothing. Rajesh acted with the intention of causing permanent disfigurement by throwing acid. Rajesh is punishable under Section 124(2) BNS for voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid.

When This Does Not Apply

  • The accused did not throw or attempt to throw acid, did not attempt to administer acid, and did not attempt to use any other means
  • The substance thrown or used had no acidic, corrosive, or burning nature capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars, disfigurement, or disability
  • The act was done without the intention of causing permanent or partial damage, deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt

Previous Law

IPC 326B → Section 124(2) BNS

Section 326B IPC is succeeded by Section 124(2) BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, throwing or attempting to throw acid is consolidated into Section 124(2) BNS as sub-section 2. The offence and the punishment are unchanged, prescribing imprisonment of either description for not less than five years extending up to seven years, and liability to fine. Explanations 1 and 2 now state that their definitions apply for the purposes of Section 124(2) BNS as a whole. Explanation 2 additionally clarifies that permanent vegetative state shall not be required to be irreversible.

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Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·