Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, addresses the offence of voluntarily causing hurt. This section clarifies the legal definition of voluntarily causing hurt and outlines the penalties for such actions.
Subsection (1): Definition of Voluntarily Causing Hurt
According to Subsection (1), a person is said to voluntarily cause hurt if:
- They perform an act with the intention of causing hurt to another person.
- They perform an act with the knowledge that it is likely to cause hurt to another person.
- The act indeed results in causing hurt to that person.
This definition includes both direct intentional harm and harm caused by actions that are likely to cause hurt.
Subsection (2): Punishment for Voluntarily Causing Hurt
Subsection (2) states the punishment for voluntarily causing hurt, except in cases covered by Subsection (1) of Section 120. The penalties include:
- Imprisonment of either description (simple or rigorous) for a term that may extend to one year.
- A fine that may extend to ten thousand rupees.
- Both imprisonment and fine.
Conclusion
Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, provides a clear legal framework for addressing the act of voluntarily causing hurt. It ensures that individuals who intentionally or knowingly cause harm are held accountable and face appropriate penalties. This section is crucial for maintaining the protection of individuals from intentional physical harm and upholding the rule of law.
