(1) Whoever, except in the case provided for by sub-section (1) of section 122, voluntarily causes hurt by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance, or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees, or with both.
(2) Whoever, except in the case provided for by sub-section (2) of section 122, voluntarily causes grievous hurt by any means referred to in sub–section (1), shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 118
Section 118 penalizes voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means, prescribing imprisonment up to three years for hurt, and imprisonment for life or up to ten years for grievous hurt.
Cross-examine the Investigating Officer on weapon recovery: if the alleged knife or sharp weapon was not seized, or if the doctor opines that the laceration was caused by a blunt surface or fall, Section 118 BNS charges must fail.