Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.
Simplified Explanation
Section 114 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) defines the term hurt and outlines its basic legal meaning in the context of criminal law.
Text of Section 114
“Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.”
Explanation
- Hurt: The term hurt in the IPC refers to the physical harm or damage inflicted upon a person’s body. This could involve causing pain, disease, or physical weakness (infirmity), as long as it is intentional or negligent.
- The section is broad in scope, covering various forms of bodily harm, including:
- Bodily Pain: Any physical pain or discomfort caused to the person.
- Disease: Inflicting or transmitting a disease to the person.
- Infirmity: Any lasting physical weakness or disability caused due to the act.
Key Points
- Physical Harm: The section covers a wide range of harm to the body, including both temporary and long-term consequences.
- Intentional or Negligent Act: Hurt can result from intentional actions (such as an assault) or from negligence (such as causing harm through reckless behavior).
Conclusion
Section 114 provides a basic legal definition of hurt, which is essential for understanding many offenses in the IPC that involve physical harm, such as assault, battery, or grievous hurt. It establishes that causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to another person constitutes hurt, regardless of the severity or permanence of the harm.
