Rash or negligent acts such as not following traffic rules, driving rashly, not maintaining safety rules, over hasty actions without thinking about the consequences, etc., can put other people’s lives in danger. Courts in various judgments have defined rash or negligent acts. Punishment for these rash or negligent acts varies depending on the gravity of the offence. Endangering life and personal safety is covered under Section 336, 337, and 338 of IPC.
This article will discuss Section 337, what is hurt, the essential ingredients of Section 337 of IPC, its nature, and punishment under Section 337. To read in Hindi click here.
What is Section 337 of IPC?
Suppose a person does any rash or negligent act that causes hurt to endanger other people’s life and personal safety. In that case, such a person will be liable under Section 337 of IPC.
Causing hurt is very important. If the person is not hurt due to the rash or negligent act, Section 336 of IPC will be applicable. However, if the person dies due to a rash or negligent act, the person will be liable under Section 338 of IPC.
Under Section 319 of IPC, Hurt is defined as any bodily pain, infirmity, or disease caused to another person.
Example:
1) X takes a u-turn hastily and dashes another biker (B). As a result, B falls and gets injured. Here, X is liable under Section 337 of IPC.
2) Suppose a cab driver drives rashly and a passenger gets frightened and gets a heart attack. Here, the cab driver will be liable under Section 337 of IPC.
Essential ingredients of Section 337 of IPC
To make a person guilty of an offence under Section 337 of IPC, these essential ingredients should be present:
- The act must be done rashly or negligently.
- Such act must have caused hurt;
- The hurt caused should be such as to endanger the life and personal safety of others.
- Intention of the person causing hurt is not essential.
Nature of Section 337 of IPC
Section 337 is bailable, cognizable, and compoundable with the court’s permission by the person being hurt and is triable by any Magistrate.
Punishment under Section 337 of IPC
Section 337 of IPC: Any person who commits any rash or negligent act that hurts personal safety or endangers another person’s life shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term up to 6 months or with a fine up to Rs. 500 or with both.
Conclusion
Any person who endangers another person’s life by causing hurt by doing any rash or negligent act shall be liable under Section 337 of IPC. It is a cognizable, bailable, and compoundable offence. Hurt and rash or negligent act is the essential ingredient of Section 337 of IPC. Punishment under Section 337 is imprisonment of 6 months or with a fine of up to Rs. 500 or with both. The intention behind the act is not essential. Endangering life and personal safety by doing any rash or negligent act has been covered under Section 336 of IPC. Click here to read in Hindi.
