Explained: IPC Sections 323, 324, 325, and 326 and Their Implications

IPC sections 323, 324, 325, and 326 deal with the offence of voluntarily causing hurt. The severity of the offence depends on the degree of hurt caused, and the use of dangerous weapons or means to cause hurt.

• Section 323 deals with the offence of voluntarily causing hurt. Hurt is defined as any bodily pain, disorder, or disease inflicted on any person. Voluntarily causing hurt means doing so intentionally, or with knowledge that it is likely to be caused. Section 323 is punishable with imprisonment for up to one year, or with fine, or with both.
• Section 324 deals with the offence of voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means. Dangerous weapons or means include any instrument or substance which, used in the manner in which it is used, is likely to cause death. Section 324 is punishable with imprisonment for up to three years, or with fine, or with both.
• Section 325 deals with the offence of voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Grievous hurt is defined as any bodily injury which causes the victim to lose any member or joint of the body, or to become incapable of performing any essential bodily function, or to suffer great bodily suffering. Section 325 is punishable with imprisonment for up to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
• Section 326 deals with the offence of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. Section 326 is punishable with imprisonment for up to ten years, or with fine, or with both.

It is important to note that the punishment for each of these offences can be enhanced if the victim is a public servant, a woman, or a child.