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LawpatraLawpatra
BNS, 2023
Start Practicing
BNSChapter IVSection 55
Section55

Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life

AI Assist

Summary

Abetting an offence that is punishable with death or life imprisonment is punishable even if the main offence never happens. Where no other penalty is provided, the abettor can get up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine. If an act done because of the abetment causes hurt, the abettor can face up to fourteen years' imprisonment and a fine.

Example

Ravi urges Arjun to murder Rohan, but Arjun does not go through with it. Since the murder was not committed, Ravi can be punished with up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine. If Rohan had been hurt in consequence of the abetment, Ravi could face up to fourteen years' imprisonment and a fine.

Bare Act

Enacted text

(1) Whoever abets the commission of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, shall, if that offence be not committed in consequence of the abetment, and no express provision is made under this Sanhita for the punishment of such abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

(2) If any act for which the abettor is liable in consequence of the abetment, and which causes hurt to any person, is done, the abettor shall be liable to imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to fourteen years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Illustration

A instigates B to murder Z. The offence is not committed. If B had murdered Z, he would have been subject to the punishment of death or imprisonment for life. Therefore A is liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and also to a fine; and if any hurt be done to Z in consequence of the abetment, he will be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years, and to fine.

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IV

Chapter IV

Of Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy And Attempt

In this chapter

  • 45Abetment of a thing
  • 46Abettor
  • 47Abetment in India of offences outside India
  • 48Abetment outside India for offence in India
  • 49Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment
  • 50Punishment of abetment if person abetted does act with different intention from that of abettor
  • 51Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done
  • 52Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done
  • 53Liability of abettor for an effect caused by the act abetted different from that intended by the abettor
  • 54Abettor present when offence is committed
  • 55Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life
  • 56Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment
  • 57Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons
  • 58Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life
  • 59Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent
  • 60Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment
  • 61Criminal conspiracy
  • 62Punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment
Previous · Section 54Abettor present when offence is committedNext · Section 56Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment