Q.1. Discuss Criminal Conspiracy. Can one person be punished for the offense of criminal conspiracy?
- An illegal act, or
- A legal act by illegal means.
The act of agreement itself constitutes the offense, even if no subsequent illegal act occurs. This distinguishes criminal conspiracy from other offenses where an act or omission is essential for completion.
- When the conspired offense is punishable with death, life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment for 2 years or more: The conspirators are subject to the same punishment as the main offense.
- Other cases: The punishment is imprisonment for up to 6 months, or a fine, or both.
Essentials of Criminal Conspiracy:
- Agreement: The existence of a mutual agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act.
- Intent: The intention must be to achieve an illegal objective or use illegal means.
- No overt act necessary: The mere agreement suffices to constitute the offense.
Can one person be punished for the offense of criminal conspiracy?
- Legal Perspective: No, a single person cannot commit the offense of criminal conspiracy because it inherently requires at least two individuals agreeing to commit an unlawful act.
- Judicial Precedents: The Supreme Court in Yash Pal Mittal v. State of Punjab (1977) held that criminal conspiracy is not possible in isolation. However, once the involvement of co-conspirators is proven, an individual can be convicted based on circumstantial evidence.
Q.2. Explain Insanity as an exception. How is forced intoxication treated as an exception?
- The accused was incapable of understanding the nature of the act, or
- The accused did not know that the act was either wrong or contrary to the law.
Key Conditions for Pleading Insanity:
- Medical evidence: There must be proof of mental illness at the time of the offense.
- Timing: Insanity must exist at the time of the act, not before or after.
- Nature of illness: The mental disorder must impair the accused's ability to understand the consequences of their actions.
Case Law:
- Ratan Lal v. State of M.P. (1970): The court held that chronic schizophrenia prevented the accused from understanding the nature of the act, granting the defense of insanity.
- The accused was intoxicated without their knowledge or against their will.
- The intoxication rendered the accused incapable of knowing the nature of the act or that it was wrong/contrary to law.
Voluntary Intoxication (Section 86 IPC):
- Voluntary intoxication does not provide complete immunity. Under Section 86 IPC, if a specific intent crime is committed, voluntary intoxication is no defense unless the accused was incapable of forming intent due to intoxication.
Example: A person who voluntarily drinks alcohol and commits murder cannot claim immunity.
Case Law:
- Basdev v. State of Pepsu (1956): The court held that voluntary intoxication does not absolve liability but could reduce the severity of the charge if intent is unclear.
Distinction between Insanity and Intoxication:
Aspect | Insanity | Intoxication |
---|---|---|
Cause | Mental illness | Alcohol or drug use |
Duration | Chronic (long-term) | Temporary |
Voluntariness | Involuntary | Can be voluntary or involuntary |
Legal Relief | Always a defense (if proven) | Only forced intoxication is a defense |
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