IPC Section 338 — Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others

Summary

If a person acts so rashly or carelessly that it puts human life or the safety of others at risk, and that action causes someone else grievous hurt, that person can be punished. The punishment may be imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever causes grievous hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

• THE STATE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH v. RAMCHANDRA RABIDAS — Supreme Court of India (2019)
• .. Appellant / A-14 vs State rep.by — Madras High Court ()
• S.C.R. 863 DR. P.B. DESAI v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2013)
• S.C.R. 145 ALISTER ANTHONY PAREIRA v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA — Supreme Court of India (2012)
• SC (2025) Vol.4 p.63 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• ... Appellant/Sole Accused vs State rep. by — Madras High Court ()
• ... Petitioner vs 1. State rep. by — Madras High Court (2011)
• ... Appellants in CMA.No.3036/2014 vs The Managing Director, — Madras High Court (2014)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §125 — Act endangering life or personal safety of others