Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 333
repealedVoluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty
Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Why this exists
This is the more severe version of the previous section, reserved for cases where the injury to the official is serious, such as broken bones or permanent damage. The heavier punishment reflects both the harm to the victim and the greater threat to public administration. After 2024, this offence corresponds to Section 121(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Any hurt to an official gets this harsh ten-year punishment.
Fact: This heavier punishment applies only when the injury is legally 'grievous', meaning serious, such as fractures or permanent damage; lesser hurt falls under the milder Section 332.