IPC Section 115: Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life-if offence not committed
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 5: Abetment
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶Whoever abets the commission of an offence punishable with death or 1[imprisonment for life], shall, if that offence be not committed in consequence of the abetment, and no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment of such abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
¶if act causing harm be done in consequence.—and if any act for which the abettor is liable in consequence of the abetment, and which causes hurt to any person, is done, the abettor shall be liable to imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to fourteen years, and shall also be liable to fine.
¶Illustration
¶A instigates B to murder Z. The offence is not committed. If B had murdered Z, he would have been subject to the punishment of death or 1[imprisonment for life]. Therefore A is liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and also to a fine; and if any hurt be done to Z in consequence of the abetment, he will be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years, and to fine.
¶___________________________
¶1. Subs. by Act 26 of 1955, s. 117 and the Sch., for “transportation for life” (w.e.f. 1-1-1956).
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 55 (same provision). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p4
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 107. Abetment of a thing
- 108. Abettor
- 108A. Abetment in India of offences outside India
- 109. Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence, and where no express provision is made for its punishment
- 110. Punishment of abetment if person abetted does act with different intention from that of abettor
- 111. Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done
- 112. Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done
- 113. Liability of abettor for an effect caused by the act abetted different from that intended by the abettor
- 114. Abettor present when offence is committed
- 116. Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment-if offence be not committed
- 117. Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons
- 118. Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life
- 119. Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent
- 120. Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment