IPC Section 511
IPC Section 511 – Punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment
What it means
This section deals with the attempt to commit an offence, where the offence itself is punishable with life imprisonment or any other imprisonment, but the attempt does not succeed in completing the crime.
Even though the offence is not completed, the law still punishes the attempt because the guilty intention and some action towards committing the offence are already shown.
Key Points
Applicability
It applies when a person attempts to commit any offence punishable under IPC with imprisonment (life or lesser), but fails to complete the offence.
Example: If someone tries to pickpocket but finds the pocket empty, it is still an attempt.
Punishment
The punishment for attempt can be up to half of the maximum punishment prescribed for the actual offence.
Example: If the offence carries 10 years of imprisonment, the attempt can be punished with up to 5 years.
Nature of offence
The section covers attempts where there is:
Intention to commit the crime, and
Action taken towards it (more than just preparation).
Distinction between preparation and attempt
Preparation is making arrangements (like buying poison). It is not punishable in most cases.
Attempt is when you actually start executing the act (like mixing poison in someone’s food). This is punishable, even if it fails.
Illustrations / Examples
Pickpocketing – A puts his hand in B’s pocket to steal money, but the pocket is empty. A is guilty of attempt under Section 511.
House-breaking – A tries to break open a lock to commit theft, but is caught before entering. He is liable for attempt.
Murder attempt – A shoots at B intending to kill him, but misses. He is guilty of attempt to murder.
Objective of Section 511
To punish criminal attempts so that people do not escape liability just because they did not succeed.
To protect society by deterring wrongdoers at the stage of attempt itself.
✅ In summary:
Section 511 IPC punishes attempts to commit offences punishable with life imprisonment or other imprisonment. The punishment can be up to half of the maximum punishment for the full offence. The law recognizes that an attempt with criminal intention is itself dangerous and punishable.
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