IPC Section 107: Abetment of a Thing – Indian Penal Code

This section deals with the offense of abetting a “thing” which is not an offense but which is prohibited by law.

Explanation

Section 107 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines abetment of a thing. It states that whoever abets the doing of any “thing” which is not an offense but which is prohibited by law, shall be punished with the punishment provided for the doing of that “thing.”

Illustration

Imagine a law prohibits the sale of certain types of fireworks. A person convinces another person to sell these prohibited fireworks. In this case, the person who convinced the other is guilty of abetting the sale of the prohibited fireworks, even though the sale itself is not an offense.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What is the difference between abetting an offense and abetting a thing?

A: Abetting an offense involves assisting in the commission of an act that is specifically defined as a crime under the law. Abetting a thing involves assisting in the commission of an act that is not an offense but is prohibited by law.

Q: What are the elements of abetment under Section 107?

A: The elements include:

• • There must be a “thing” that is prohibited by law.
  • The accused must have abetted the doing of that “thing”.
  • The accused must have intended to abet the doing of that “thing” or have known that their actions would likely result in the doing of that “thing”.