Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 323 → BNS 115: Voluntarily Causing Hurt

IPC Section 323 (Voluntarily Causing Hurt) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 115 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

323

Voluntarily Causing Hurt

Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt

New Law — BNS 2023

115

Voluntarily Causing Hurt

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 1 year or fine up to ₹10,000

Key Change / Note

Community service added as alternative

Facing a case under BNS 115?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 115.

Quick Summary: IPC 323 vs BNS 115

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 323 (Voluntarily Causing Hurt) is now mapped to BNS Section 115.

What did IPC 323 cover?

IPC 323 dealt with voluntarily causing hurt — punishment for voluntarily causing hurt. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 115: What changed in the new law?

Community service added as alternative. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to voluntarily causing hurt are filed under BNS Section 115. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 115

Same - Up to 1 year or fine up to ₹10,000

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 115 instead of IPC 323.
Police officers: Use BNS 115 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 323 ↔ BNS 115 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 323?

IPC Section 323 (Voluntarily Causing Hurt) is now covered under Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 115?

Same - Up to 1 year or fine up to ₹10,000

What is the key difference between IPC 323 and BNS 115?

Community service added as alternative

Is IPC 323 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.