IPC 319 vs BNS 319
● Retained in BNSHurt
Section 319 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines the offense of hurt. According to this section, a person is said to cause hurt when they cause bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to another person. It is a fundamental provision under criminal law as it lays the groundwork for differentiating between hurt, grievous hurt, and other bodily offenses.
Key points:
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Hurt means causing bodily pain, physical suffering, disease, or infirmity.
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It does not require permanent injury or visible marks.
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Acts like slapping, hitting, or administering harmful substances can fall under hurt.
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IPC 319 forms the basis for subsequent provisions like IPC 320 (grievous hurt).
Example: If a person punches another, causing temporary pain but no lasting injury, it qualifies as hurt under IPC 319. This ensures legal accountability even for minor injuries.
Hurt
Section 319 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, retains the same definition of hurt as IPC 319. It states that whoever causes bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to another person is said to cause hurt.
Key points:
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Retains the same meaning of bodily pain, disease, or infirmity.
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Establishes the foundation for related provisions like grievous hurt under BNS 320.
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Ensures consistency in interpretation of bodily offenses in the new criminal code.
Example: If a person knowingly gives another spoiled food that causes illness, it qualifies as hurt under BNS 319. This ensures continuity of legal protection against minor bodily harm.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 319 to BNS BNS 319.