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Section 116 of BNS is part of Chapter 6 - Offences affecting the human body or offences affecting life in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 Act. It deals with the offense of grievous hurt, which involves intentionally inflicting severe bodily harm on another person. This section criminalises actions that result in significant injury, either by deliberate intent or through reckless disregard for the consequences.

Definition of BNS Section 116

Section 116 of the BNS 2023 States:

The following kinds of hurt only are designated as 'grievous', namely:
(a) Emasculation
(b) Permanent privation of the sight of either eye
(c) Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear
(d) Privation of any member or joint
(e) Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint
(f) Permanent disfiguration of the head or face
(g) Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth
(h) Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of fifteen days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.

Explanation and Illustration of BNS Section 116

This Section emphasises the seriousness of such acts by prescribing stringent penalties, including substantial imprisonment. It aims to protect individuals from severe physical harm, ensuring that those who cause grievous injury are held accountable. Here is a detailed explanation for the same:

  • Intent or Knowledge: The act must be committed intentionally or with knowledge that grievous hurt is likely to be caused
  • Seriousness of Injury: The injury must fall under the legally defined categories of grievous hurt.
  • Punishment:

    • Imprisonment: This may extend up to 7 years
    • Fine: The accused may also be liable to pay a fine
    • Combination of Both: Both imprisonment and a fine may be imposed.
  • Examples

    Imagine Person A gets into a fight with Person B and strikes B in the face with a heavy object. As a result, Person B suffers a permanent disfiguration of the head or face, which is considered grievous hurt under Section 116 of the BNS 2023.

    This type of injury is classified as ‘grievous’ because it leads to permanent damage to a person's appearance. Person A could be charged with causing grievous hurt, which carries more severe penalties than simple hurt.

    Similarly, if Person B suffered a fracture or dislocation of a bone during the fight, this would also be classified as grievous hurt under Section 116.

Disclaimer: The examples provided are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. They should not be used for legal proceedings or decision-making. For specific legal matters, please consult a qualified legal professional.

Key Points in Section 116

Grievous hurt refers to certain injuries that cause significant harm, resulting in permanent damage, severe pain, or long-term incapacitation to the victim. These injuries are more serious than ordinary hurt and often have long-lasting or life-threatening consequences.

Types of Grievous Hurt: Section 116 outlines various injuries specifically categorized as grievous. These injuries include those leading to permanent loss of function, disfigurement, or life-threatening conditions.

Explanation of Each Type of Grievous Hurt:

  • Emasculation (Clause a): Emasculation refers to the permanent loss or injury to a man’s reproductive organs, resulting in the inability to perform sexual functions. This injury is considered grievous due to its profound physical and emotional impact on the victim
  • Permanent Loss of Sight in Either Eye (Clause b): This refers to the permanent loss of vision in one or both eyes, resulting in blindness. The inability to see severely affects the victim’s quality of life and daily activities
  • Permanent Loss of Hearing in Either Ear (Clause c): The permanent loss of hearing in one or both ears is classified as grievous hurt. This type of injury impairs communication and interaction with the surrounding environment
  • Loss of Use of Any Limb or Joint (Clause d): This includes the permanent loss of function in any limb or joint, such as the amputation of a hand or foot, or the loss of movement in any part of the body. It significantly impacts the victim’s mobility and physical capabilities
  • Permanent Damage to the Function of Any Limb or Joint (Clause e): This refers to the destruction or permanent impairment of the functionality of any body part or joint, such as paralysis. Even if a body part is not removed, its inability to function is considered grievous
  • Permanent Disfigurement of the Head or Face (Clause f): Disfigurement refers to permanent injuries that alter the appearance of the head or face, such as scars or burns. These injuries can have lasting psychological effects and affect the victim’s identity, making them grievous
  • Fracture or Dislocation of a Bone or Tooth (Clause g): Any fracture or dislocation of a bone, or the fracture or dislocation of a tooth, is considered grievous hurt. These injuries are painful, take time to heal, and can have long-term physical consequences
  • Hurt Endangering Life or Incapacitating the Victim for 15 Days (Clause h): Any injury that endangers the victim’s life or prevents them from carrying out their normal activities for 15 days or more is categorised as grievous hurt. Such injuries cause significant pain or disruption to the victim's life, even if they do not result in permanent disability.
    1. Differences Between Section 116 of BNS and its Equivalent IPC Section

      This section outlines the key differences between Section 116 of BNS and its equivalent IPC section 320 focusing on their distinct approaches to definitions, interpretations and legal principles within the framework of criminal law.

      BNS Sections/ Subsections Subject IPC Sections Summary of comparison
      116 Grievous hurt definition. 320 Suffering threshold period for grievous hurt is reduced from twenty days to fifteen days.

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      Understanding the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) laws can be confusing, but Vakilsearch is here to make it easy for you. Here’s why we’re the right choice:

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      FAQs about Section 116 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

      The section lists eight types of injuries, including:
      (a) Emasculation
      (b) Permanent privation of the sight of either eye
      (c) Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear
      (d) Privation of any member or joint
      (e) Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint
      (f) Permanent disfiguration of the head or face
      (g) Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth
      (h) Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of fifteen days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.
      It refers to the permanent loss or damage to reproductive organs, affecting a man’s ability to perform sexual functions​
      Yes, permanent disfigurement of the head or face is considered grievous as it affects physical appearance and mental well-being​
      Fractures or dislocations of bones or teeth are grievous due to the pain and long recovery periods involved​
      It includes injuries that risk life or cause severe pain/incapacitation for 15 days or more​
      Yes, loss of use or movement of any limb or joint is classified as grievous​
      Permanent loss of hearing in one or both ears qualifies as grievous hurt due to its impact on communication​
       section 116 of bns

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