A person abets an offence, who abets either the commission of an offence, or the commission of an act which would be an offence, if committed by a person capable by law of committing an offence with the same intention or knowledge as that of the abettor.
Explanation 1.—The abetment of the illegal omission of an act may amount to an offence although the abettor may not himself be bound to do that act.
Explanation 2.—To constitute the offence of abetment it is not necessary that the act abetted should be committed, or that the effect requisite to constitute the offence should be caused.
Illustrations.
(a) A instigates B to murder C. B refuses to do so. A is guilty of abetting B to commit murder.
(b) A instigates B to murder D. B in pursuance of the instigation stabs D. D recovers from the wound.
A is guilty of instigating B to commit murder.
Explanation 3.—It is not necessary that the person abetted should be capable by law of committing an offence, or that he should have the same guilty intention or knowledge as that of the abettor, or any guilty intention or knowledge.
Illustrations.
(a) A, with a guilty intention, abets a child or a person of unsound mind to commit an act which would be an offence, if committed by a person capable by law of committing an offence, and having the same intention as A. Here A, whether the act be committed or not, is guilty of abetting an offence.
(b) A, with the intention of murdering Z, instigates B, a child under seven years of age, to do an act which causes Z’s death. B, in consequence of the abetment, does the act in the absence of A and thereby causes Z’s death. Here, though B was not capable by law of committing an offence, A is liable to be punished in the same manner as if B had been capable by law of committing an offence, and had committed murder, and he is therefore subject to the punishment of death.
(c) A instigates B to set fire to a dwelling-house. B, in consequence of his unsoundness of mind, being incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is wrong or contrary to law, sets fire to the house in consequence of A’s instigation. B has committed no offence, but A is guilty of abetting the offence of setting fire to a dwelling-house, and is liable to the punishment provided for that offence.
(d) A, intending to cause a theft to be committed, instigates B to take property belonging to Z out of Z’s possession. A induces B to believe that the property belongs to A. B takes the property out of Z’s possession, in good faith, believing it to be A’s property. B, acting under this misconception, does not take dishonestly, and therefore does not commit theft. But A is guilty of abetting theft, and is liable to the same punishment as if B had committed theft.
Explanation 4.—The abetment of an offence being an offence, the abetment of such an abetment is also an offence.
Illustration.
A instigates B to instigate C to murder Z. B accordingly instigates C to murder Z, and C commits that offence in consequence of B’s instigation. B is liable to be punished for his offence with the punishment for murder; and, as A instigated B to commit the offence, A is also liable to the same punishment.
Explanation 5.—It is not necessary to the commission of the offence of abetment by conspiracy that the abettor should concert the offence with the person who commits it. It is sufficient if he engages in the conspiracy in pursuance of which the offence is committed.
Illustration.
A concerts with B a plan for poisoning Z. It is agreed that A shall administer the poison. B then explains the plan to C mentioning that a third person is to administer the poison, but without mentioning A’s name. C agrees to procure the poison, and procures and delivers it to B for the purpose of its being used in the manner explained. A administers the poison; Z dies in consequence. Here, though A and C have not conspired together, yet C has been engaged in the conspiracy in pursuance of which Z has been murdered. C has therefore committed the offence defined in this section and is liable to the punishment for murder.
Simplified Explanation
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in August 2023, aims to modernize and address key areas within India’s criminal law. Section 46 under the BNS specifically addresses abettors—people who assist, encourage, or facilitate others in committing crimes.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Definition of Abettor
- An abettor is someone who plays an active role in supporting or encouraging the commission of a crime but may not directly carry it out.
- Abetment involves:
- Instigating someone to commit a crime.
- Engaging with others in a conspiracy to commit a crime.
- Intentionally aiding someone in committing a crime.
2. Forms of Abetment
- Instigation: Inciting or encouraging a person to commit a specific crime. Even if the crime isn’t fully executed, the instigator can still be charged with abetment.
- Conspiracy: When two or more people agree to commit a crime, each conspirator can be liable as an abettor, even if they didn’t directly commit the offense.
- Aiding: Providing support or resources to enable the crime, such as furnishing tools or information necessary for committing it.
3. Liability of Abettors
- Abettors are criminally liable for the offense committed due to their involvement, even if they did not directly partake in it.
- They can face the same penalties as the main offender, depending on the crime’s severity.
- If the crime doesn’t occur due to some external reason, the abettor can still face penalties if intent and abetment actions are proven.
4. Abetment without Knowledge or Intent
- Intent is essential for someone to be labeled an abettor. A person who unknowingly assists or is forced to aid in a crime may not be held liable.
- To prosecute someone as an abettor, clear evidence of intent, knowledge, and involvement is necessary.
5. Punishments for Abettors
- The punishment varies depending on:
- The gravity of the crime abetted.
- Whether the crime was successfully executed.
- Typically, abettors face the same punishment as the primary offender if they knowingly contributed to the crime.
6. Examples of Abetment
- Example 1: A person convinces another to commit theft and provides tools to help. If the theft occurs, the instigator is as liable as the thief.
- Example 2: A group plans a crime together (conspiracy), but only one carries it out. Each conspirator could face charges for abetment due to their active agreement.
In summary, Section 46 in the BNS establishes clear liability for abettors by holding them accountable for their role in aiding or encouraging crimes. It underscores that even indirect involvement in a crime through instigation, conspiracy, or assistance can lead to criminal charges, aligning with India’s goal of a more comprehensive legal framework for justice.
