In this article you will learn about the Difference Between Hurt and Grievous Hurt in IPC.
Hurt
Hurt is defined under section 319 of IPC. Hurt refers to any bodily injury that causes pain, harm, or disease that is not likely to endanger life or cause any severe or lasting harm to the victim. It includes injuries such as bruises, minor cuts, or superficial wounds that do not result in any substantial physical or psychological consequences. According to the definition of Hurt in IPC, it says that – Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.
The punishment of causing hurt is that the person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term, which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.(Sec. 323)
Illustration
A person named X beats Y with a stick. Here X is causing hurt to Y by giving him bodily pain.
Grievous Hurt
Grievous Hurt is defined under section 320 of IPC. Grievous hurt refers to more severe bodily injuries that are likely to endanger life, cause severe pain, disfigurement, or impair the functioning of any bodily organ. It includes injuries that are of a serious nature, such as fractures, deep cuts, injuries to vital organs, substantial loss of hearing or sight, etc.
The punishment of causing grievous hurt is that the person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.(Sec. 325)
Illustration
Y hits on the elbow of Z with an iron rod. As a result, the joint bone of Z got fractured. Y has caused grievous hurt to Z.
Points of Differences
| DIFFERENCE | HURT | GRIEVOUS HURT |
|---|---|---|
| Section | Section 319 | Section 320 |
| Meaning | Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt. | Grievous hurt explains the following kinds of hurt – emasculation, permanent privation of the sight of either eye, permanent privation of the hearing of either ear, privation of any member or joint, destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint, permanent disfiguration of the head or face, fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth or any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of twenty days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits. |
| Risk of life | Less grave in comparison of grievous hurt | More grave in comparison of hurt |
| Kind of injuries | Injuries are general in nature | Injuries are specific in nature |
| Nature of offence | Non-cognizable and Bailable | Cognizable and Bailable |
This article on Difference Between Hurt and Grievous Hurt in IPC is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.