Answer By law4u team
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 124: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.
- (1) Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or maims or disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt or causes a person to be in a permanent vegetative state shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine: Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the victim: Provided further that any fine imposed under this sub-section shall be paid to the victim.
- (2) Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation 1.—For the purposes of this section, acid includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability.
Explanation 2.—For the purposes of this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity or permanent vegetative state shall not be required to be irreversible.
Brief Detail
BNS Section 124 addresses the crime of causing grievous hurt using acid or similar substances. The section imposes severe penalties for causing permanent damage or severe harm through acid attacks, including imprisonment of up to life and fines to cover the victim’s medical expenses. It also covers attempts to cause such harm and specifies that the term acid includes any corrosive or burning substance.
Question & Answers
Q1. What is the punishment for causing grievous hurt using acid under BNS Section 124?
A1: The punishment for causing grievous hurt using acid can range from imprisonment of not less than ten years to life imprisonment, along with a fine that should cover the victim's medical expenses.
Q2. What if someone only attempts to throw acid or use a similar method?
A2: If someone attempts to throw acid or use similar means to cause grievous hurt, they can be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years but up to seven years, and may also be liable to a fine.
Q3. How does the law define acid for the purposes of this section?
A3: For the purposes of this section, acid includes any substance with acidic or corrosive properties that can cause bodily injury, leading to scars, disfigurement, or disability.
Q4. Is permanent damage required to be irreversible under this section?
A4: No, under this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity does not need to be irreversible to be considered under this law.
Example
Scenario 1: If a person throws acid on another individual, causing severe burns and permanent disfigurement, this would be classified as causing grievous hurt under BNS Section 124, leading to a punishment of at least ten years imprisonment.
Scenario 2: An individual who attempts to administer acid but fails to cause severe injury might still face imprisonment for up to seven years if the attempt was made with intent to cause grievous hurt.
Summary
BNS Section 124 provides stringent penalties for causing grievous hurt using acid or similar substances. It mandates long-term imprisonment and fines for both successful and attempted acid attacks, aiming to address and mitigate severe bodily harm caused by corrosive substances.
