Meaning and Definition
Grievous hurt refers to severe bodily injury that is more serious than simple hurt and affects a person’s health, limbs, or physical functioning in a significant way. Under Section 320 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), eight specific kinds of injuries are classified as grievous hurt. These include permanent loss of sight, hearing, joint function, emasculation, fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth, and any injury that causes severe bodily pain for 20 days or renders the victim unable to follow ordinary pursuits. Unlike simple hurt, grievous hurt involves serious, long-lasting, or permanent physical damage, making it a more serious criminal offence with higher penalties to protect bodily integrity.
Legal Provisions and Punishment
Grievous hurt is punishable under Section 325 IPC, which prescribes imprisonment up to seven years and a fine for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. When grievous hurt is caused by dangerous weapons or means—such as using a knife, acid, or firearms—Section 326 IPC applies, making it a far more serious offence with punishment that may extend to life imprisonment. The law treats grievous hurt strictly because such injuries often result in permanent disability, disfigurement, or prolonged suffering. Courts examine the extent of injury, intention of the accused, and the manner of assault to determine appropriate punishment.
Purpose and Importance
The purpose behind classifying grievous hurt separately is to ensure greater protection to individuals and to deter violent conduct that leads to severe injuries. By assigning higher penalties, the law aims to discourage acts that cause permanent or long-term harm. This classification also helps courts assess the seriousness of the crime, distinguish it from minor assaults, and provide just compensation and justice to victims. It reinforces the principle that offences causing long-lasting injury require stricter accountability, balancing public safety with proportional punishment.
Real-Time Example
Suppose A hits B with an iron rod during a quarrel, causing a fracture in B’s arm. Since fracture is explicitly listed under Section 320 IPC as grievous hurt, A is liable under Section 325 IPC for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. If A had used a dangerous weapon like a knife, the offence would fall under Section 326 IPC, attracting even higher punishment. This example shows how the nature of injury and the weapon used determine the seriousness of the charge and penalty.
Mnemonic to Remember
Mnemonic: “F-P-L-B-F-20 – Fracture, Permanent loss, Bodily pain 20 days.”
- F – Fracture or dislocation of bone/tooth.
- P – Permanent loss of sight, hearing, or joint use.
- L – Lasting injuries that impair daily life.
- B – Bodily pain for 20 days or more.
- 20 – Refers to the 20-day rule under Section 320.
The mnemonic “F-P-L-B-F-20” helps recall the major indicators of grievous hurt under IPC.
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