IPC Section 352 - Punishment for assault or criminal force otherw ise than on grave provocation

352. Punishment for assault or criminal force otherw ise than on grave provocation. 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 five hundred rupees, or with both.

Explanation.-- Grave and sudden provocation will not mitigate the punishment for an offence under

this section, if the provocation is sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an exc use for the

offence, or

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

if the provocation is given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence.

Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to mitigate the offence, is a question of fact.