Forensic Medicine · Mechanical Injuries & Wounds

Grievous Hurt (IPC 320) & Starvation Death

3 min read · Verified by professors

Grievous Hurt — Section 320 IPC

Definition: Grievous hurt is defined under Section 320 IPC. The following eight kinds of hurt only are designated as grievous:

  1. Emasculation — loss of masculine vigor; permanent deprivation of reproductive power.
  2. Permanent privation of sight of either eye — complete and permanent loss of vision of one or both eyes.
  3. Permanent privation of hearing of either ear — permanent loss of hearing in one or both ears.
  4. Privation of any member or joint — complete loss or removal of any member (limb or organ) or joint.
  5. Destruction or permanent impairment of powers of any member or joint — member or joint remains present but its function is permanently impaired.
  6. Permanent disfigurement of head or face — permanent alteration of appearance. Common examples: permanent scars, loss of nose, loss of ear, facial deformity.
  7. Fracture or dislocation of bone or tooth — any fracture, however small, is grievous hurt; dislocation of any bone or tooth is also grievous hurt.
  8. Any hurt which: endangers life, or causes the victim to suffer severe bodily pain for 20 days, or makes the victim unable to follow ordinary pursuits for 20 days.