BNS Section 118 – Voluntarily Causing Hurt Explained
What you need to know
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 118 deals with the offence of 'voluntarily causing hurt' — the Indian successor to IPC Section 323, which came into force on 1 July 2024. If you have been physically assaulted or injured by another person, this is the provision under which an FIR or complaint can be filed against the accused. The offence is cognizable and bailable, and may result in imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both. Whether you are a victim seeking to file a complaint or an accused needing to understand the charge, knowing this provision is important to protect your legal rights.
Your rights
As a victim, you have the right to file a Zero FIR at any police station regardless of jurisdiction
You have the right to a free copy of the FIR under Section 173 BNS / Cr.P.C. norms
An accused has the right to bail since this is a bailable offence under BNS
Victim can also file a private complaint directly before a Magistrate under Section 223 BNSS
What you should do now
Action firstDocument the incident immediately
- Photograph all visible injuries and preserve any video evidence or CCTV footage
- Obtain a Medico-Legal Certificate (MLC) from a government hospital as soon as possible — this is critical evidence
File an FIR or Police Complaint
- Visit the nearest police station and file an FIR citing BNS Section 118; if refused, file a Zero FIR at any station
- If the police do not register the FIR, send a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or file before the Judicial Magistrate under Section 223 BNSS
Follow up and preserve case records
- Collect your FIR copy (free of charge) and note the FIR number
- Track case progress on the eCourts portal; consider engaging a lawyer if the accused applies for anticipatory bail
Seek compensation if needed
- Apply for victim compensation under the relevant State Victim Compensation Scheme through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)
- If the hurt was caused by a known person (domestic/workplace), also explore a civil suit for damages
Acts applicable
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
centralSection 118 – Voluntarily causing hurt
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
centralSection 223 – Private complaint before Magistrate