What is Section 320 of the law?

Asked by: Prof. Jaleel Bartell I  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (69 votes)

"Section 320" refers to different laws depending on the jurisdiction, but commonly relates to U.S. Immigration (automatic citizenship for children under INA 320), Indian Penal Code (defining grievous hurt), or Canadian Criminal Code (hate propaganda warrants). In the U.S., Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 320 allows children born abroad to automatically become citizens if they meet conditions like having a U.S. citizen parent and becoming a lawful permanent resident before age 18.

What is the meaning of 320 in law?

Section 320 of the Indian Penal Code defines 'grievous hurt' as specific severe injuries including emasculation, loss of sight or hearing, loss of a body part or joint, disfigurement, fractures, and injuries endangering life or causing severe pain for at least twenty days.

What is Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act?

Child in Legal and Physical Custody of U.S. Citizen Parent. To automatically acquire citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent under INA 320, the child must reside in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent while under the age of 18 years.

What is Section 320 of the Criminal Code?

Attempt to murder. (2) with intent unlawfully to kill another does any act, or omits to do any act which it is his duty to do, such act or omission being of such a nature as to be likely to endanger human life, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.

What is Section 320 of the IPC case law?

Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of twenty days in severe bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.

Compromise in Criminal Cases | Section 320 CrPC Explained

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What is Act 320?

Grievous hurt under IPC is covered under Section 320 IPC. This provision can be considered as an aggravated form of the injuries covered under Section 319, i.e., the injuries covered under grievous hurt are of a more severe nature than the injuries covered under simple hurt.

What does IPC 320 cover?

Section: IPC 320

Section 320 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines grievous hurt and lists specific types of injuries that are considered more serious than simple hurt. These include: Emasculation. Permanent loss of sight of either eye.

What injuries are covered under 320 IPC?

It defines grievous hurt and outlines the 8 clauses under Section 320 - emasculation, privation of sight of an eye, privation of hearing of an ear, privation of any member or joint, permanent impairing of powers of any member or joint, permanent disfiguration of head or face, fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.

What is Section 320 of the criminal Justice Act 2003?

Section 320 | Offence Of Outraging Public Decency Triable Either Way | Criminal Justice Act 2003 C44 | LexisNexis.

How does mental illness affect sentencing?

Consequently, it can lead to lesser charges or reduced sentences. Even if a defendant is convicted, mental health conditions may be considered during sentencing. Courts may impose alternative sentences, such as treatment programs or psychiatric care, rather than traditional incarceration.

What is the immigration rule 320?

Paragraph 320(7B) of the Immigration Rules gives grounds where entry clearance must be refused on the basis of a person's immigration history. These are called mandatory grounds for refusal because, where they apply, an Entry Clearance Officer must refuse an application.

What is the 7 year rule for immigrants?

The "7-year rule" in U.S. immigration refers to proposed legislation, particularly the Dignity Act and registry bill updates (like H.R. 1511/S. 4974), that would create a pathway to a green card for long-term residents who have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years and meet other requirements like good moral character, updating the current outdated registry cutoff date (currently 1972). While not currently law, these bills aim to provide legal status for millions, including Dreamers and essential workers, by establishing a rolling eligibility date for permanent residency. 

What is the 3 year rule?

A lawful permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen may be eligible to naturalize—become a citizen—after three years of living in marital union together. To qualify for naturalization under the marriage-based three-year rule, you must also: Be at least 18 years old.

What is the meaning of 320?

🌟 Unlock the spiritual significance of **Angel Number 320** and discover the guidance it offers! ✨ This powerful number symbolizes harmony, communication, and faith. It encourages you to maintain balance in your life and trust in the divine support from your angels.

What does Section 320 CrPC deal with?

Section 320 of the CrPC categorizes offences into two parts: Part I and Part II. Offences which can be settled without the court's permission like Voluntarily causing hurt, Theft, Dishonest misappropriation of property, Cheating etc.

What is Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code?

"Article 320 Destructive Arson. The penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to death shall be imposed upon any person who shall burn: 1.

What is the punishment for Section 320 of the IPC?

(3) Whoever, while committing an act of violence against a healthcare service personnel, causes grievous hurt as defined in section 320 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) to such person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend to seven years and ...

What is Section 320.16 1 of the criminal Code of Canada?

320.16 (1) Everyone commits an offence who operates a conveyance and who at the time of operating the conveyance knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the conveyance has been involved in an accident with a person or another conveyance and who fails, without reasonable excuse, to stop the conveyance, give their name ...

What is Section 320 CRPC in India Code?

When the person who would otherwise be competent to compound an offence under this section is under the age of eighteen years or is an idiot or a lunatic, any person competent to contract on his behalf, may, with the permission of the Court compound such offence.

What kind of injuries qualify as grievous hurt?

(4)The term “grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.

What is the maximum punishment for IPC 302?

Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

What is the punishment for hurt and grievous hurt?

325.

Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

What does IPC stand for?

IPC has several meanings, most commonly Inter-Process Communication (sharing data between computer programs), IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) (standards for electronics), the International Paralympic Committee (governing body for disabled sports), the International Plumbing Code, or Infection Prevention and Control (in healthcare). The specific meaning depends on the context, but the electronics and computing definitions are very common. 

What is the difference between simple and grievous hurt?

Hurt: Causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to another person under Section 319 of the IPC. Grievous Hurt: Causing more severe injuries that are dangerous to life and cause permanent disability or long-lasting consequences under Section 320 of the IPC.

What is Section 320 of the BNSS?

BNSS Section 320-Commission To Whom To Be Issued. (1) If the witness is within the territories to which this Sanhita extends, the commission shall be directed to the Chief Judicial Magistrate within whose local jurisdiction the witness is to be found.