BNS 131 — Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Statutory text

131. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person otherwise
than  on  grave  and  sudden  provocation  given  by  that  person,  shall  be
punished  with  imprisonment  of  either  description  for  a  term  which  may
extend to  three months, or with fine which  may extend to one thousand
rupees, or with both.
Explanation 1.—Grave and sudden provocation will not mitigate the
punishment for an offence under this section,—
 (a)  if  the  provocation  is  sought  or  voluntarily  provoked  by  the
offender as an excuse for the offence; or
(b) if the provocation is given by anything done in obedience to the
law,  or  by  a  public  servant,  in  the  lawful  exercise  of  the  powers  of  such
public servant; or
(c) if the provocation is given by anything done in the lawful exercise
of the right of private defence.
Explanation 2.—Whether  the  provocation  was  grave  and  sudden
enough to mitigate the offence, is a question of fact.
Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of
his duty.

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