IPC Section 303
IPC Section 303 – Punishment for murder of a person under sentence of death
Textual Explanation:
Section 303 of the Indian Penal Code deals with the murder of a person who is already under a sentence of death. This is considered an extremely serious crime because the person is already lawfully condemned by the court.
Key Points:
Who it applies to:
Any person who murders someone who has been sentenced to death.
The sentence of death must have been lawfully awarded by a competent court.
Essentials of the Offense:
Victim under death sentence: The person killed must already have a death sentence confirmed by a court.
Intentional murder: The act of killing must be voluntary and intentional.
Knowledge: The offender must know that the person is under a death sentence.
Punishment:
Whoever commits this offense shall be punished with death.
There is no alternative punishment because it is considered an offense of the highest severity.
Purpose of the Law:
To maintain the authority of law and the judicial system.
To prevent interference with legal punishment.
To ensure that even condemned criminals are protected under the law until execution.
Illustration / Example:
A prisoner has been sentenced to death by the court. Another person enters the prison and kills him before the execution.
→ Punishable under Section 303 IPC, with the death penalty.
Accidental death of a prisoner under death sentence
→ Section 303 does not apply, because intent to murder is essential.
✅ Summary:
Section 303 IPC punishes anyone who murders a person already sentenced to death.
Punishment: Death penalty (mandatory).
Objective: To protect judicial authority and ensure legal punishment is carried out without interference.
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