IPC Section 323: Voluntarily Causing Hurt
What you need to know
IPC Section 323 deals with the offence of voluntarily causing hurt to another person, punishable with imprisonment up to one year, a fine up to Rs. 1,000, or both. If someone has physically assaulted or beaten you without causing grievous injury, this section applies. In India, you have the right to file a complaint with the police or directly approach a Magistrate under Section 190 of CrPC. The offence is cognizable (police can arrest without warrant) and compoundable (can be settled between parties with court permission).
Your rights
Right to file an FIR or a written complaint at the nearest police station
Right to approach a Judicial Magistrate directly under Section 190 CrPC if police refuse to act
Right to claim compensation for medical expenses and injury through the court
Right to self-defence under IPC Section 96-106 if the hurt was inflicted in retaliation
What you should do now
Action firstGather evidence immediately
- Photograph all visible injuries and preserve any torn clothing
- Get a medical examination at a government hospital — obtain the MLC (Medico-Legal Certificate)
File an FIR at the police station
- Visit the police station in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred and give a written complaint citing IPC Section 323 (or BNS Section 115)
- Collect a free copy of the FIR — it is your legal right under Section 154(2) CrPC
- If police refuse, send complaint by registered post to the Superintendent of Police
Approach Magistrate if police are unresponsive
- File a private complaint before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) under Section 200 CrPC
- Attach the MLC, witness statements, and a copy of your police complaint as annexures
Follow up and seek compensation
- Track your FIR status on your state police portal or through your lawyer
- Request the court for compensation under Section 357 CrPC during trial
Acts applicable
Indian Penal Code
centralSection 323 — voluntarily causing hurt, up to 1 year imprisonment or fine
Code of Criminal Procedure
centralSection 190 — Magistrate cognizance on complaint; Section 154 — FIR registration
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023
centralSection 115 — equivalent provision replacing IPC 323 from July 2024