Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 331
Section Title:
Voluntarily Causing Hurt to Extort Confession or Information
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Active (corresponding provisions continue under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023)
Applicability:
IPC Section 331 applies when:
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A person voluntarily causes simple hurt;
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The purpose is to extract confession or information;
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The purpose may include compelling illegal statements or cooperation;
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The injury does NOT amount to grievous hurt (Section 320 IPC).
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 331 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi vyakti kisi ko maar-peet karke (simple injury) usse confession ya information nikalta hai, to ye offence hota hai.
Simple words mein:
"Hurt dekar confession ya information lena crime hai."
Legal Definition (Original Law Meaning)
IPC Section 331 punishes:
Whoever voluntarily causes hurt (not grievous hurt) to any person for the purpose of extorting confession or information or compelling unlawful action.
Practical Interpretation
Courts examine:
Simple Hurt
Injury must fall under Section 321 IPC (not grievous).
Intent
Purpose must be confession, information, or coercion.
Voluntary Act
Act must be intentional.
Causation
Hurt must be directly linked to coercion purpose.
Difference Between Section 330 and 331
Section 330
Grievous hurt for confession/information.
Section 331
Simple hurt for confession/information.
👉 Severity of injury differentiates both sections.
Why IPC Section 331 Was Introduced?
The legislature intended to:
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Prevent coercive interrogation methods;
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Ensure fair investigation practices;
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Protect individuals from police or private coercion;
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Regulate minor physical abuse during questioning.
Importance of the Provision
IPC Section 331:
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Protects against illegal interrogation;
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Ensures voluntary statements only;
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Covers minor physical coercion;
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Supports human rights framework.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 331 provides:
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Imprisonment up to 1 year; OR
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Fine; OR
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Both.
Bailable / Non-Bailable
Generally Bailable.
Cognizable / Non-Cognizable
Cognizable.
Compoundable
Non-Compoundable.
Triable By
Any Magistrate.
IPC ↔ BNS Mapping
IPC Section
IPC Section 331
BNS Equivalent
Similar provisions exist under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to:
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Coercion through hurt;
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Illegal interrogation practices;
-
Minor assault-based compulsion.
Status
Concept retained.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Slapping for Confession
Police officer slaps a suspect to force confession.
Section 331 may apply.
Example 2: Beating for Information
A person is beaten to reveal location of stolen goods.
IPC Section 331 applies.
Example 3: Minor Physical Coercion
Light assault used to force statement during dispute.
Section 331 becomes applicable.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Custodial violence, even minor, violates fundamental rights.
Case Name:
Nandini Satpathy v. P.L. Dani
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
No one can be forced to give self-incriminating statements.
Case Name:
Various Custodial Rights Cases
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Even minor coercion during interrogation is illegal.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
IPC Section 331 is applied when:
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Simple hurt is used for interrogation;
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Confession or information is forced;
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Minor assault occurs during questioning;
-
Investigation process is abused.
Common Misuse Scenarios
False Custody Allegations
Allegations without medical proof.
Normal Interrogation Misinterpreted
Lawful questioning wrongly framed as abuse.
Lack of Intent
No intention to extract confession.
Defenses Available
Lawful Investigation
Act done within legal limits.
No Intent
No purpose of coercion.
Lack of Evidence
No proof of hurt or coercion.
False Allegation
Complaint is fabricated.
Accidental Contact
No voluntary act.