Four Stages of Commission of a Crime

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Many jurists have defined crime in their own ways some of which are as under:

  • Blackstone defined crime as an act committed or omitted in violation of a public law forbidding or commanding it.
  • Stephen observed that a crime is a violation of a right in reference to the evil tendency of such violation regarding the community at large.
  • Oxford Dictionary defines crime as an act punishable by law as forbidden by statute or injurious to the public welfare.

To commit a crime, the following 4 stages must be completed.

Intention to Commit

It is the willingness to do an act. It is not punishable at all.

Preparation to Commit

Preparation is not an offence as such. But it is punishable in some cases :

  • Preparation for waging war against the government of India.
  • Preparation for harming any power is at peace with the Government of India.
  • Making/selling counterfeiting coins or govt. stamps.
  • Possession counterfeit coins/govt. stamps/ false weights.
  • Preparation for committing Dacoity.

Attempt to commit an Offence

Attempt is made punishable under IPC. Examples are-

  • Attempt to commit murder – Section 307
  • Attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder – Section 308
  • Attempt to commit robbery – Section 393
  • Attempt to commit suicide – Section 309

Commission of an Offence

Commission of a offence is punishable in every respect. An example is a commission of  offence of Murder which is punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

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