What is IPC Section 325?
IPC Section 325 punishes voluntarily causing "grievous hurt" to another person — a category of injury defined under Section 320 that includes emasculation, permanent loss of sight or hearing in either eye or ear, loss of a limb or joint, permanent disfiguration of the head or face, fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth, or any hurt which endangers life or leaves the victim in severe bodily pain or unable to follow ordinary pursuits for twenty days. It is the more serious counterpart to simple hurt under Section 323, and is invoked in cases involving fights with weapons, serious assaults, or altercations resulting in lasting physical harm.
Section 325 sits within Chapter XVI of the IPC ("Of Offences Affecting the Human Body"), under the sub-head "Of Hurt." It follows the graded scheme running from simple hurt (Section 323), to hurt by dangerous weapons (Section 324), to grievous hurt (Section 325), and grievous hurt by dangerous weapons (Section 326) — with punishment increasing at each stage.
Important Update: IPC to BNS Transition
With effect from 1 July 2024, the Indian Penal Code has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 for offences committed on or after that date. Section 325 IPC now corresponds to Section 117 of the BNS, with the same punishment of imprisonment up to 7 years along with fine. FIRs registered before 1 July 2024 continue to be tried under IPC 325; incidents after that date are registered under the corresponding BNS provision.
Legal Provision — Text of Section 325 IPC
The exception referenced (Section 335) applies where grievous hurt is caused on grave and sudden provocation, without premeditation and without an intention to cause more harm than necessary — carrying a lighter punishment of up to 4 years or a fine up to ₹2,000, or both.
Punishment Under Section 325
| Imprisonment | Up to 7 years (simple or rigorous) |
|---|---|
| Fine | Mandatory — imprisonment shall also be accompanied by a fine |
| Nature of Offence | Cognizable — police can register an FIR and investigate/arrest without a warrant |
| Bailable / Non-Bailable | Non-Bailable — bail is at the discretion of the court, not a matter of right |
| Compoundable | Compoundable by the person to whom the hurt is caused, but only with the permission of the Court |
| Triable By | Magistrate of the First Class |
| Limitation Period | No limitation period — Section 468 CrPC does not bar prosecution for offences punishable with more than 3 years' imprisonment |
Key Ingredients / Essential Elements
Hurt was caused
The accused's act must have caused bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to the victim, as defined under Section 319.
The hurt amounts to "grievous hurt"
The injury must fall within one of the eight categories under Section 320 — e.g. fracture, permanent disfiguration, loss of sight/hearing, or hurt endangering life.
The act was voluntary
The accused must have intended to cause hurt, or known that the act was likely to cause hurt, even if the exact degree of injury was not intended.
No exception under Section 335 applies
If the grievous hurt was caused on grave and sudden provocation without premeditation, the lesser offence under Section 335 applies instead.
What Should You Do — For Complainants and For the Accused
If You Have Suffered Grievous Hurt
- Seek immediate medical attention and ensure a detailed medico-legal certificate (MLC) documenting the nature of the injury is prepared.
- Since the offence is cognizable, you can lodge an FIR directly at the nearest police station — police are obligated to register it and investigate.
- Preserve any evidence, including CCTV footage, witness details, and the weapon or object used, if any.
If a Complaint Is Filed Against You
- Since the offence is non-bailable, bail is not automatic — you will likely need to approach the Magistrate or High Court for regular or anticipatory bail.
- The matter can potentially be compounded with the injured party, but only with the court's express permission.
- Gather medical records, witness statements, and any evidence relevant to self-defence or the actual sequence of events.
FIR & Bail Process Under Section 325
Filing the FIR
Since it is cognizable, an FIR can be filed directly at the police station under Section 154 CrPC (now BNSS), supported by the medical report.
Investigation & Arrest
Police may arrest the accused without a warrant and proceed with investigation, including recording statements and collecting medical evidence.
Bail Application
Being non-bailable, the accused must apply for regular or anticipatory bail before the appropriate court; grant of bail is discretionary.
Compounding / Trial
The matter may be compounded with the court's permission at any stage before judgment, or proceed to trial before the Magistrate of the First Class.
Important / Landmark Cases on Section 325
Injury Must Strictly Fit a Section 320 Category
Courts have consistently held that a conviction under Section 325 requires the prosecution to specifically prove which of the eight categories under Section 320 the injury falls into — a serious-looking injury that does not fit any category cannot sustain a conviction for grievous hurt.
Compounding Requires Judicial Application of Mind
Courts have clarified that while Section 325 is compoundable, the permission of the court is not a mere formality — the judge must be satisfied that the compromise is genuine, voluntary, and not the result of pressure or coercion, particularly where the injury was serious.