What is the difference between Section 34 and 120 B IPC?

Asked by: Berneice Christiansen  |  Last update: June 21, 2026
Score: 5/5 (26 votes)

The primary difference between Section 34 and Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is that Section 34 imposes joint liability for acts done in furtherance of a common intention (execution phase), while Section 120B punishes the agreement to commit an offense (criminal conspiracy, planning phase).

What is the difference between 120B and 34?

Section 120B deals with criminal conspiracy, while Section 34 addresses acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.

What is Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code?

(2) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy other than a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months, or with fine or with both.]

Does 120B require an overt act?

Mere agreement between two or more persons to commit an illegal act, or a legal act by illegal means, constitutes the offence. For serious offences, no overt act is required; the unlawful agreement itself is sufficient. (For lesser offences, an overt act in pursuance of the agreement may be necessary.)

What is Section 34 of the IPC?

Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) establishes the principle of joint liability, stating that when several persons commit a criminal act in furtherance of a common intention, each is liable as if they committed it alone. It ensures that participants in a joint crime cannot escape liability merely because they did not physically commit the final act.

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35 related questions found

Is Section 34 a substantive offense?

Section 34 has been enacted on the principle of joint liability in the doing of a criminal act. The section is only a rule of evidence and does not create a substantive offence. The distinctive feature of the section is the element of participation in action.

What are the benefits of IPC-34?

Object of Section 34 IPC

The primary objective of Section 34 is to ensure that everyone who actively participates in a crime is held accountable, regardless of the specific act they perform. This ensures that all those who share the criminal intent and collaborate in its execution face legal consequences.

What does 120 b IPC mean?

120B. (1) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, or imprisonment for a term of 2 years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence.

How does 120B differ from abetment?

Abetment belongs to a genus, while the conspiracy belongs to a species. Criminal conspiracy is punishable as a substantive offense under Section 120B, while abetment per se is not. It is possible to commit abatement in many ways such as instigation, conspiracy, intentional aid, etc., but conspiracy is one of them.

What is the Supreme Court Judgement on 120B?

📑 Supreme Court Judgment 3

In Noor Mohammad Mohd v. State of Maharashtra [(1970) 1 SCC 696] it was held that Section 120-B IPC makes criminal conspiracy a substantive offence which offence postulates an agreement between two or more persons to do or cause to be done an act by illegal means.

What are the key elements of IPC 120B?

Under criminal conspiracy IPC, Section 120A defines this agreement, while Section 120B explains the punishment for criminal conspiracy, which can apply even when the main crime is not completed. The core elements include an unlawful agreement, intent, and in some cases an overt act taken towards the plan.

Is Section 120B IPC now in BNS?

Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, covering "criminal conspiracy," has been replaced by Section 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Conspiracy remains a substantive offence, allowing the state to penalize the agreement to commit a crime, even if the crime itself was not ultimately executed.

What are the 4 types of punishment?

In criminal justice, the four primary types of punishment are incarceration (imprisonment), probation (community supervision), fines (financial penalties), and restitution (repayment to victims). These are designed to hold offenders accountable while protecting society.

Can a person be prosecuted under Section 34 without charge?

Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention, often invoked alongside substantive offences like murder or abetment. However, convicting someone under this provision without properly framing a charge raises serious procedural concerns.

Is section 120B IPC bailable?

According to Para 1 – According as offence which is object of conspiracy is bailable or non-bailable, According as the offence which is the object of conspiracy is cognizable or non-cognizable and Non-compoundable. According to Para 2 – This section is Bailable, Non-cognizable and Non-compoundable.

What is the difference between 34 A and 34 B?

A 34A and 34B share the same 34-inch band size but differ in cup volume. A 34A is designed for a ~1-inch difference between bust and underbust, while a 34B is designed for a ~2-inch difference, making the 34B cup one size larger (about 1 inch more fabric) than the 34A.

What is the difference between IPC 34 and 120B?

[1] Section 34 deals with joint liability for crimes committed in furtherance of a common intention, while Section 120B defines and punishes criminal conspiracy.

What are the 4 types of culpability?

The Model Penal Code defines four culpability requirements, or mental states: purposely, knowingly, recklessly, and negligently. They go from most culpable to least. To hurt someone purposely is worse than to do so recklessly or negligently.

What are the three types of abetment?

Three types: Instigation, Conspiracy & Intentional Aiding. Mens rea (intention) is essential to prove abetment. Abetment is punishable even if the main offence is not committed. Abettor may be punished as severely as the main offender depending on circumstances.

What is the punishment for Section 120 of the IPC?

Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted ...

Is conspiracy a serious charge?

There are several reasons that conspiracies are often perceived as being as serious, or even more serious than the substantive offence : The agreement itself is seen as the dangerous act and demonstrates a high degree of culpability - an agreement dramatically increases the probability that a crime will be committed.

What are the essential ingredients of 120b?

Further, with respect to conspiracy, it is trite law that the existence of three elements must be shown—a criminal object, a plan or a scheme embodying means to accomplish that object, and an agreement or understanding between two or more people to cooperate for the accomplishment of such object.

Is Section 34 IPC bailable?

If the offense under Section-34 IPC is classified as a non-bailable offense, the accused individuals do not have an automatic right to bail. Non-bailable offenses are considered more serious in nature, and the accused may need to present compelling reasons to the court to secure bail.

What are some examples of section 34 in use?

Section 34 provides weekly payments to the Employee in the amount of 60% of the employee's pre-injury average weekly wage. For example, if an electrician sustained a work related shoulder injury rendering him unable to work and requiring surgery, he should be entitled to receive Section 34 benefits.

Does section 34 require a pre-arranged plan?

In summary, Section 34 IPC demands a prior meeting of minds or pre-arranged plan, which can be inferred from evidence demonstrating prior concert or compelling circumstances. While not always a distinct plan, it must antedate the offense.