The IPC 1860 was replaced by the BNS 2023 (in force 2024-07-01); no verified section mapping on file for Section 326 — confirm the corresponding provision (savings: Section 358, BNS 2023).
Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous 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 inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE Punishment--Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for 10 years and fine--Cognizable--Non-bailable--Triable by Magistrate of the first class--Non-compoundable.