IPC Section 323 = BNS Section 115

Voluntarily Causing Hurt

स्वेच्छया उपहति कारित करना

Offences Against the Body Punishment Changed Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 323 of the IPC dealt with voluntarily causing hurt — one of the most commonly filed offences in Indian criminal law. Under the BNS 2023, this is now Section 115. The imprisonment term remains the same (up to 1 year), but the fine amount has been increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000.
Hindi IPC की धारा 323 स्वेच्छया उपहति कारित करने से संबंधित थी — भारतीय आपराधिक कानून में सबसे अधिक दायर किए जाने वाले अपराधों में से एक। BNS 2023 के तहत, यह अब धारा 115 है। कारावास की अवधि समान रहती है (1 वर्ष तक), लेकिन जुर्माने की राशि 1,000 रुपये से बढ़ाकर 10,000 रुपये कर दी गई है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 323 Section 115
Title Voluntarily Causing Hurt Voluntarily Causing Hurt
Punishment Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine up to Rs. 1,000, or both Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine up to Rs. 10,000, or both
Changed
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable Yes — Can be settled between parties
Triable By Any Magistrate

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 323 to BNS 115
  • Fine amount increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000
  • Imprisonment term remains the same — up to 1 year
  • Offence continues to be bailable and compoundable

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused voluntarily caused hurt to another person
  2. 2 The act was done with the intention or knowledge of causing hurt
  3. 3 The hurt caused does not amount to grievous hurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 323?

IPC Section 323 (Voluntarily Causing Hurt) is now BNS Section 115 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed?

The imprisonment term remains the same (up to 1 year), but the fine has been increased tenfold from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000.

Is voluntarily causing hurt bailable?

Yes. BNS Section 115 (formerly IPC 323) is a bailable and compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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