⚖️ IPC Section 34 – Common Intention
🔹 Simple Explanation:
Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) says that when two or more people commit a crime together with a shared intention, each of them will be held equally responsible for that act — as if they did it alone.
In short:
“Agar do ya do se zyada log milkar kisi jurm ko ek hi soch ke sath karte hain, to sabhi ko us jurm ke liye barabar zimmedar mana jayega.”
🔹 Key Points:
- It does not create a separate offence — it just defines how responsibility is shared.
- The main element is “common intention” — all must have a shared plan or understanding before the act.
- Even if one person actually commits the act, others are equally guilty if they shared the intention.
- It’s about team effort in crime — planning together or acting together with the same goal.
🔹 Example:
Suppose A, B, and C decide to beat up D.
During the fight, A hits D on the head and he dies.
Even if B and C didn’t hit him, they too can be punished for murder under Section 34, because all three had the same plan — to attack D together.
🔹 Real-life Understanding:
You don’t always need a written or spoken agreement.
Common intention can be understood by the actions, behavior, or circumstances — like reaching together, carrying weapons, or supporting during the act.
🔹 Punishment:
Section 34 itself doesn’t tell the punishment — it only adds responsibility.
The punishment depends on the main crime committed.
Example: If murder was done with common intention → punishment will be under Section 302 read with Section 34.
🔹 In Short (Summary):
“Common intention means – ek hi soch, ek hi plan, ek hi jurm. Agar sab milke karte hain, to sabhi barabar doshi.”
🔹 Example Case:
Case: Pandurang, Tukia & Bhillia vs. State of Hyderabad (1955)
Judgment: The Supreme Court said — mere presence at the crime scene is not enough; there must be a pre-arranged plan or shared intention to apply Section 34.
🧠 Nyay Neeti Note:
Section 34 is a reminder that —
“In law, teamwork in crime means shared punishment.”
