BACK TO SECTIONS(2001) 3 SCC 673
BailableCognizable: Non-CognizableAny Magistrate
THE STATUTE
Original Text
Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.
Simplified
Section 319 defines hurt in three ways: bodily pain (any physical pain, however temporary — no visible injury required), disease (any pathological condition transmitted through the accused's act), and infirmity (temporary or permanent reduction in physical capacity). A slap causing pain is hurt even without a bruise. This foundational definition feeds into: Section 321/323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 324 (by dangerous weapon), Section 325 (grievous hurt), and all escalating variants.
Landmark Precedents
Suresh v. State of UP (2001)
RELEVANCE
Reaffirmed that 'hurt' under Section 319 includes causing disease — STI transmission through sexual assault constitutes hurt, supporting enhanced sentencing in such cases.
Practical Scenarios
"A punch that causes pain but leaves no mark — hurt under Section 319."
"Spraying a caustic chemical causing temporary skin irritation — hurt."
Common Queries
No — 'bodily pain' even without any visible mark constitutes hurt under Section 319.