Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 324: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 324 of the Indian Penal Code pertains to the offence of “voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.” This section addresses situations where an individual intentionally or knowingly causes hurt to another person using any weapon, means, or method that is inherently dangerous or likely to cause serious harm.
Key elements of this section include:
- Intent or Knowledge: The perpetrator must know that their actions are likely to cause hurt.
- Use of Dangerous Weapons or Means: The hurt must be inflicted using weapons, instruments, or any means deemed dangerous. This includes sharp objects, firearms, corrosive substances, or other tools that can cause significant harm.
Is IPC Section 324 Bailable?
IPC Section 324 is a non-bailable offence. Due to the potential for significant harm and the involvement of dangerous weapons or means, the accused must appear before a court to seek bail.
IPC Section 324 Punishment
The Punishment under IPC Section 324 includes:
- Imprisonment for up to three years,
- or a fine,
- Or both.
The court determines the appropriate sentence based on the severity of the hurt caused, the nature of the weapon or means used, and other relevant factors.
Example of IPC Section 324
A real-life example of IPC Section 324 occurred in a local market where two vendors got into a heated dispute over their stalls’ placement. One vendor attacked the other with a broken glass bottle, causing deep cuts and significant bleeding. The attacker was charged under IPC Section 324 for voluntarily causing hurt using a dangerous weapon. The case highlighted the law’s application in incidents where ordinary disputes escalate into violent actions involving harmful instruments.
