IPC to BNS
IPC Section 338 in BNS: Section 125(b)
Section 338 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) corresponds to Section 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 338 and BNS 125(b) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 338 | 125(b) |
| Heading | Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others | Act endangering life or personal safety of others (where grievous hurt is caused) |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both. | Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 338 covered
Punishes causing grievous hurt to any person by doing an act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others.
What changed in BNS Section 125(b)
IPC Sections 336, 337 and 338 are merged into BNS Section 125. For grievous hurt, the maximum term rises from two years to three and the maximum fine from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000.
Punishment: IPC 338 compared with BNS 125(b)
- Under IPC Section 338
- Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
- Under BNS Section 125(b)
- Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 338: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 338?
IPC Section 338 (Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) corresponds to Section 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 125(b)?
Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both.
Does IPC Section 338 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 337 to BNS 125(a) · Hurt by rash act
- IPC 326B to BNS 124(2) · Attempted acid attack
- IPC 326A to BNS 124(1) · Acid attack
- IPC 325 to BNS 117(2) · Grievous hurt
- IPC 324 to BNS 118(1) · Hurt by dangerous weapon
- IPC 323 to BNS 115(2) · Voluntarily causing hurt
- IPC 320 to BNS 116 · Grievous hurt (definition)
- IPC 319 to BNS 114 · Hurt (definition)
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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.