Meaning of Attempt to Murder
Attempt to Murder is an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that is committed when a person tries to cause the death of another person, but the attempt fails for some reason. The offense is defined under Section 307 of the IPC.
Essential Elements of the Attempt to Murder under IPC
- Intention or knowledge to cause death: The accused must have had the intention to cause death, or the knowledge that the act is likely to cause death.
- Act done towards causing death: The accused must have taken some action towards causing the death of the victim.
- Failure to cause death: The act of the accused must have fallen short of causing death.
Example: If a person tries to shoot someone with the intention of killing them, but the gun misfires, or the victim survives due to timely medical intervention, the offender can be charged with Attempt to Murder.
Punishment of Attempt to Murder under IPC
Section 307 – Attempt to murder: Imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and/or fine.