IPC Section 73

IPC Section 73: "Difference between Voluntarily Causing Hurt and Grievous Hurt"

🔹 Legal Text of IPC Section 73 (simplified):

When a person causes hurt to another, if the injury caused is grievous hurt, the offender is said to have caused grievous hurt. Otherwise, it is simply called hurt.

🔍 Detailed Explanation:

1. Context:

Sections 319 and 320 of IPC define “hurt” and “grievous hurt” respectively.

Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity.

Grievous hurt means causing more serious injuries such as:

Loss of a limb or bodily part,

Permanent disfigurement,

Dangerous injuries like fractures, etc.

Section 73 explains the difference between causing hurt and grievous hurt when a person intentionally causes injury.

2. Meaning of Section 73:

If the injury caused by a person falls under the definition of grievous hurt, then the act will be treated as causing grievous hurt.

If the injury is less severe and does not fit the definition of grievous hurt, then the act is considered as causing hurt.

In other words, Section 73 clarifies that the severity of injury decides whether it is “hurt” or “grievous hurt”.

🔑 Key Points:

The nature of injury (severity) is the deciding factor.

This section helps in deciding the nature of offense and the corresponding punishment.

Intent to cause injury is common in both hurt and grievous hurt, but the extent and seriousness of injury differ.

Grievous hurt attracts heavier penalties compared to simple hurt.

⚖️ Why is this section important?

Helps courts in distinguishing minor injuries from serious injuries.

Determines appropriate charges and sentences.

Prevents confusion where a person’s act results in injury but the injury’s severity is not clear.

📋 Example:

Suppose a person hits someone, causing a minor bruise or swelling. This is hurt.

If the same person breaks the victim’s arm or causes permanent disfigurement, this is grievous hurt.

Section 73 helps decide under which category the injury falls, based on its seriousness.

🧾 Summary Table:

AspectExplanation
SectionIPC Section 73
TopicDifference between causing hurt and grievous hurt
Core ideaInjury severity determines classification
PurposeClarify offense type and punishment
EffectHelps courts apply correct charges

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