IPC Section 68
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 68 – Act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention
Text of Section 68 IPC:
"When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone."
Detailed Explanation:
Section 68 explains the principle of common intention in criminal law, which means when two or more persons share a common plan or purpose to commit a crime, and in pursuance of that plan, a criminal act is committed, each person involved is held equally responsible for the act.
Key Points:
Common Intention:
All persons involved must share the same intention or purpose to commit the crime.
It is not necessary that they perform the same part, but they must have a common design.
Joint Liability:
Everyone involved in the act is equally liable.
The law treats the act as if each person committed the entire criminal act by themselves.
Criminal Act by Several Persons:
The act should be a criminal act (an offence).
It should be committed by more than one person together.
Furtherance of the Common Intention:
The act must be done in furtherance or execution of that shared intention.
If some persons act outside the common intention, Section 68 may not apply to them.
Why is Section 68 Important?
It helps in situations where a group or gang commits a crime.
It prevents someone from escaping liability by claiming they did only a minor part.
It establishes joint liability so all participants can be prosecuted and punished.
Example to Illustrate:
Suppose:
Three persons plan to rob a house.
During the robbery, one of them commits murder.
If the murder was committed in furtherance of the common intention to commit robbery, all three can be held equally liable for murder under Section 68, even if only one person actually did the killing.
Summary:
Section 68 applies when several persons act together with a common intention to commit a crime.
It holds all participants equally responsible for the criminal act.
Ensures that all members of a criminal plan are punished, not just the one who physically commits the act.
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