Whoever, at any time after the passing of this Act, shall have been habitually associated with any other or others for the purpose of committing robbery or child-stealing by means of or accompanied with murder, is a thug
IPC Section 310: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 310 of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offence of thuggee, an archaic term historically used to describe members of a network of robbers and murderers in India who strangled their victims. This section was primarily introduced during the British colonial era to combat the widespread menace of the Thugs, who were known for their ritualistic murders and robberies along travel routes.
Key elements of this section include:
- Association with Thuggee: The person must be associated with or be part of a group engaging in thuggee activities.
- Engagement in Acts: Involvement in planning, executing, or participating in the acts of robbery and murder characteristic of thuggee.
Is IPC Section 310 Bailable?
IPC Section 310 is a non-bailable offence. Given the historical context and the severe nature of the crimes associated with thuggee, those accused under this section must appear before a court to seek bail.
IPC Section 310 Punishment
The Punishment for being a thug under IPC Section 310 can be severe, including:
- Imprisonment for life or
- Imprisonment for a term that may extend to ten years,
- And also liable to a fine.
The law aims to provide a stringent response to organized crime involving murder and robbery.
Example of IPC Section 310
A real-life application of IPC Section 310 is largely historical, as the practice of thuggee has been eradicated for over a century. One notable historical example is the British colonial administration’s efforts to dismantle the Thuggee network in the 19th century. Leaders and members of these groups were tried and convicted under laws similar to what is now Section 310. The eradication of thuggee was largely due to the efforts of British officer William Sleeman, who led a comprehensive campaign against these groups, resulting in significant convictions and the decline of thuggee practices.
