IPC Section 320
IPC Section 320 – Grievous Hurt
Exact Provision (Simplified):
Section 320 defines “grievous hurt” for the purpose of IPC. It lists specific kinds of injuries that are considered serious and more than simple hurt under Section 319.
Definition of Grievous Hurt
A hurt is considered grievous if it results in any of the following injuries:
Life-threatening or serious injury
Death or permanent risk to life.
Specific types of injuries listed in the section:
Emasculation: Loss of the reproductive ability.
Permanent loss of sight or hearing (even one eye/ear).
Loss of any member or joint (like a hand, foot, finger, or leg).
Permanent disfiguration of the face or head.
Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.
Any injury that endangers life or causes severe bodily pain for a long time.
Key Elements of Section 320
Hurt vs Grievous Hurt
Hurt (Section 319 IPC): Causes pain, disease, or injury but not necessarily severe.
Grievous Hurt (Section 320 IPC): Causes serious injuries listed above; more severe than simple hurt.
Intention or Knowledge
The person causing grievous hurt must intentionally or knowingly cause the injury.
Accidental harm is not normally punishable under sections for grievous hurt (may be considered under IPC 304A if death occurs by negligence).
Medical / Legal Assessment
Determination of grievous hurt usually involves medical examination.
Doctors assess whether injuries meet IPC 320 criteria.
Punishment for Grievous Hurt (Relevant IPC Sections)
Section 320 defines the injury, but punishment depends on the nature of the crime:
Section 325: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt → imprisonment up to 7 years + fine.
Section 326: Causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons → up to life imprisonment or 10+ years + fine.
Illustration / Examples
A person stabs another, causing loss of one eye.
→ Injury is grievous hurt under Section 320.
Someone strikes another person on the face, causing permanent disfigurement.
→ Grievous hurt.
A person hits someone, causing minor bruises without long-term effects.
→ Simple hurt, not grievous hurt.
A person breaks another person’s tooth intentionally.
→ Grievous hurt (Section 320 includes fracture of teeth).
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Hurt that is serious and listed in Section 320 |
| Key injuries | Emasculation, loss of sight/hearing, loss of limb/joint, disfigurement, fracture/dislocation, life-threatening injuries |
| Intention | Must be intentional or with knowledge |
| Punishment | Determined by Sections 325, 326, etc., depending on method and weapon used |
| Purpose | Distinguish serious injuries from simple injuries for legal consequences |
In simple words: Section 320 tells the law what counts as a serious injury (grievous hurt), which attracts heavier punishment than a simple hurt.
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