BBanaka

BNS Section 131: Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter 6: Of Offences Affecting the Human Body - Of offences affecting life - Of hurt - Of wrongful restraint and wrongful confinement - Of criminal force and assault - Of kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour

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131. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person otherwise than on grave and sudden provocation given by that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Explanation 1.—Grave and sudden provocation will not mitigate the punishment for an offence under this section,—

(a) if the provocation is sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an excuse for the offence; or

(b) if the provocation is given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a public servant, in the lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant; or

(c) if the provocation is given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence.

Explanation 2.—Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to mitigate the offence, is a question of fact.

Study: explanations and related material

Replaces IPC 352. IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28)

Punishment, bail and trial

131Assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation.

Punishment
Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both.
Cognizable or not
Non‑cognizable
Bailable or not
Bailable
Triable by
Any Magistrate

Source: BNSS First Schedule, Gazette of India, 25 December 2023, p. 167. The Schedule gives the substance of the section, not its full definition, and a State may have amended the classification for its territory. See it in the full First Schedule

Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: Gazette text, 25 December 2023 — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-07-01.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately.

This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.

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