All serious injuries are punished the same way regardless of how they were caused.

This section covers grievous hurt caused without dangerous weapons or means; using such weapons instead triggers the harsher punishment under Section 326.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 325

repealed

Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt

Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.§

Why this exists

This section prescribes the basic punishment for causing grievous hurt, the serious category of injury defined in Section 320, without the use of dangerous weapons or means, which would instead fall under the harsher Section 326. It reflects a graded system where the severity of both the injury and the method used determine the punishment. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, this offence is now covered under Section 117(2).

Common misconceptions

Myth: All serious injuries are punished the same way regardless of how they were caused.
Fact: This section covers grievous hurt caused without dangerous weapons or means; using such weapons instead triggers the harsher punishment under Section 326.