A medical officer is asked to certify 'simple hurt' vs 'grievous hurt' for a patient with a fracture of the right thumb metacarpal without permanent disability. This wound should be certified as:

• A Simple hurt — the fracture is minor and will heal without permanent disability
• B Dangerous hurt — intermediate category between simple and grievous in the BNS
• C Grievous hurt — any fracture of a bone constitutes grievous hurt under BNS Section 115 category (vii) ✓
• D Grievous hurt only if the fracture involves a joint or results in permanent deformity

Explanation

Under BNS 2023 Section 115(1)(vii) — corresponding to IPC 320, 7th clause — 'fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth' constitutes grievous hurt, regardless of the size or clinical significance of the fracture. A metacarpal fracture of the thumb qualifies. The classification is legal, not clinical; even a hairline fracture or undisplaced fracture of a small bone is legally grievous hurt. This is an important distinction for the medicolegal officer when certifying injuries for court purposes.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.