IPC 331 → BNS 120(2): Grievous Hurt (Confession)

Quick Summary: IPC 331 vs BNS 120(2)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 331 deals with grievous hurt (confession), part of the IPC's offences affecting the human body — homicide, hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal force, kidnapping and sexual offences, the largest group in the code. The BNS renumbers grievous hurt (confession) as BNS 120(2) and, for several sexual and grievous-hurt offences, enhances the punishment.

What did IPC 331 cover?

IPC 331 dealt with grievous hurt (confession) — voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 120(2): What changed in the new law?

Targeted at custodial violence. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to grievous hurt (confession) are filed under BNS Section 120(2), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 120(2)

Same - Up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For grievous hurt (confession), the grading of the offence — and therefore bail and forum — turns on intention, the degree of hurt and aggravating factors; map IPC 331 carefully to BNS 120(2).
• Police officers: Record the nature and degree of injury and the weapon or means used; a new grievous hurt (confession) FIR is filed under BNS 120(2).
• Law students & citizens: Punishment for grievous hurt (confession) rises sharply with the seriousness of the harm and the victim — the IPC 331 to BNS 120(2) change does not lower it.