IPC Section 324
IPC Section 324 – Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means
Text of Section 324 (simplified in English):
"Whoever voluntarily causes hurt to any person by means of any poison, corrosive substance, fire, weapon, or any instrument that is dangerous to life, shall be punished with imprisonment for up to 3 years, or with fine, or both."
Key Elements of Section 324:
Voluntarily Causing Hurt:
The act must involve intentional causing of hurt to another person.
Hurt here means causing bodily pain, disease, or injury.
Dangerous Weapon or Means:
The hurt must be caused using any dangerous instrument, weapon, or substance.
Examples include:
Knife, sword, or firearm
Poison, acid, or corrosive substance
Fire or explosives
Mens Rea (Mental Element / Intention):
The person must intentionally cause hurt.
Negligent or accidental harm is not covered under this section.
Punishment:
Imprisonment: Up to 3 years.
Fine: May also be imposed.
Or both, depending on the court’s discretion.
Illustrations / Examples:
Ravi throws acid on someone intentionally.
→ Punishable under Section 324 IPC.
Someone stabs another person with a knife in anger.
→ Punishable under Section 324 IPC.
A person accidentally burns someone with a stove while cooking.
→ Not punishable under Section 324, because there is no intent.
Important Points:
Section 324 is specifically about voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous means, not just ordinary physical force.
It differs from Section 319 IPC, which is about causing hurt without dangerous weapons.
It is also different from Section 307 IPC, which deals with attempt to murder. Section 324 punishes hurt caused, but not necessarily with intent to kill.
RELATED Blog
0 comments