BACK TO SECTIONS1998 Cri LJ 543
BailableCognizable: CognizableAny Magistrate
THE STATUTE
Original Text
Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Simplified
Section 325 punishes grievous hurt (Section 320's eight categories) — a sevenfold increase over Section 323's one-year maximum, reflecting the far greater harm of fractures, permanent disability, and severe incapacity. Surprisingly bailable despite the serious harm it covers. The escalation ladder: Section 323 (1 year, non-cognizable) → Section 324 (3 years, cognizable) → Section 325 (7 years, cognizable but bailable) → Section 326 (life, non-bailable). Section 335 is the mitigated form — grievous hurt on grave and sudden provocation carries only 4 years.
Legal Evolution
Section 325 prescribes punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt (as defined in Section 320) without aggravating circumstances. The seven-year maximum reflects the serious nature of grievous hurt as enumerated in Section 320. Courts have applied Section 325 across a wide range of cases from acid attacks (before Section 326A was inserted) to serious beatings causing bone fractures, though aggravated forms now attract higher punishment under Sections 326-326B.
Landmark Precedents
State of Rajasthan v. Nathu (1998)
RELEVANCE
Even a hairline fracture constitutes grievous hurt under Section 320(7) — Section 325 applies regardless of the severity or permanence of the fracture.
Practical Scenarios
"Breaking someone's arm in a fight — Section 325."
"A beating severe enough to hospitalise the victim for 30 days — Section 325."
"Knocking out multiple teeth in an assault — Section 325."
Common Queries
Yes, surprisingly — Section 325 is Cognizable but Bailable despite covering fractures and permanent disability.