Section 131 in THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA, 2023 – BNS

Punishment
for assault or
criminal force
otherwise than
on grave
provocation

  1. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person otherwise than on grave
    and sudden provocation given by that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
    description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to
    one thousand rupees, or with both.
    Explanation 1.—Grave and sudden provocation will not mitigate the punishment for
    an offence under this section,—
    (a) if the provocation is sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an
    excuse for the offence; or
    (b) if the provocation is given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a
    public servant, in the lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant; or
    (c) if the provocation is given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right
    of private defence.
    Explanation 2.—Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to mitigate
    the offence, is a question of fact.