BNS Section 118: Voluntarily Causing Hurt or Grievous Hurt by Dangerous Weapons or Means
Introduction
BNS Section 118 is a critical provision in criminal law that addresses the offense of voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt using dangerous weapons or means. This legal clause plays a vital role in ensuring public safety by penalizing individuals who inflict harm through hazardous methods. Covering a range of means—including weapons, fire, poison, explosives, and even animals—this law underscores the seriousness of such offenses.
What is BNS Section 118?
BNS Section 118 is divided into two key parts:
1. Voluntarily Causing Hurt (Sub-section 1)
Under sub-section (1) of Section 118, a person is guilty of an offense if they voluntarily cause hurt using:
Weapons such as instruments for shooting, stabbing, or cutting.
Fire or heated substances capable of causing burns or injuries.
Poison or corrosive substances that damage health upon contact or ingestion.
Explosive substances that can result in bodily harm.
Toxic substances that can harm the human body through inhalation, swallowing, or absorption into the bloodstream.
Animals used as weapons to attack a person.
Punishment for Voluntarily Causing Hurt
A person convicted under this provision faces:
Imprisonment of up to three years
A fine of up to twenty thousand rupees
Or both imprisonment and a fine
2. Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt (Sub-section 2)
Sub-section (2) deals with more serious injuries classified as "grievous hurt." This applies when the means listed in sub-section (1) result in severe injuries that significantly impact the victim’s health or bodily functions.
Punishment for Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt
If the act leads to grievous hurt:
Life imprisonment may be imposed.
A minimum imprisonment term of one year, which may extend to ten years.
A mandatory fine.
Why is BNS Section 118 Important?
Prevention of violent crimes: This law acts as a deterrent against the use of dangerous weapons and harmful substances.
Public safety: Ensures that individuals feel protected from attacks involving hazardous means.
Strict penalties: Reinforces the seriousness of such offenses with severe punishments.
Legal interpretation: Courts assess the intent, the means used, and the extent of harm caused when determining the punishment.
BNS Section 118 plays a crucial role in the legal framework by holding individuals accountable for causing harm using dangerous means. With severe penalties in place, this law helps in maintaining public safety and discouraging violent acts.