IPC to BNS
IPC Section 320 in BNS: Section 116
Section 320 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Grievous hurt) corresponds to Section 116 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 320 and BNS 116 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 320 | 116 |
| Heading | Grievous hurt | Grievous hurt |
| Punishment | Definition only. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt is punished under IPC Section 325. | Definition only. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt is punished under BNS Section 117(2). |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 320 covered
Lists the kinds of hurt that are grievous, including emasculation, permanent loss of sight or hearing, loss of a limb or joint, permanent disfigurement of the head or face, fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth, and hurt that endangers life.
What changed in BNS Section 116
The last clause is tightened. Under the IPC, hurt was grievous if the victim was in severe bodily pain or unable to follow ordinary pursuits for twenty days; under BNS Section 116 the period is fifteen days.
Punishment: IPC 320 compared with BNS 116
- Under IPC Section 320
- Definition only. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt is punished under IPC Section 325.
- Under BNS Section 116
- Definition only. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt is punished under BNS Section 117(2).
Which law applies: IPC or BNS?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
IPC 320: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 320?
IPC Section 320 (Grievous hurt) corresponds to Section 116 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 116?
Definition only. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt is punished under BNS Section 117(2).
Does IPC Section 320 still apply to older cases?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Related IPC sections
- IPC 319 to BNS 114 · Hurt (definition)
- IPC 323 to BNS 115(2) · Voluntarily causing hurt
- IPC 324 to BNS 118(1) · Hurt by dangerous weapon
- IPC 325 to BNS 117(2) · Grievous hurt
- IPC 326A to BNS 124(1) · Acid attack
- IPC 326B to BNS 124(2) · Attempted acid attack
- IPC 337 to BNS 125(a) · Hurt by rash act
- IPC 338 to BNS 125(b) · Grievous hurt by rash act
Map any section inside Settl
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.