IPC Section 117: Abetting Offences by the Public or More Than 10 Persons

1. State the code

Section 117 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of abetting an offence by the public or more than ten persons.

2. Explain it

This section states that whoever abets the commission of an offence by the public or by any number of persons exceeding ten, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Abetment in this context refers to instigating, aiding, or encouraging the commission of an offence.
The “public” refers to a large group of people, while “more than ten persons” implies a smaller but still significant group.

3. Illustrate it

• A person inciting a crowd to riot and vandalize public property.
• A group of individuals exceeding ten in number, aiding and abetting a robbery.
• A leader of a political party encouraging their supporters to disrupt a public gathering.

4. Common Questions and Answers

Q: What constitutes “abetting”?
A: Abetting includes actions like instigating, aiding, or encouraging the commission of an offence. This could be through words, gestures, or any other form of communication.

Q: Does this section apply only to unlawful assemblies?
A: No. This section applies to abetting any offence, not just unlawful assemblies. The only requirement is that the offence is abetted by the public or more than ten persons.

Q: What is the punishment for violating Section 117?
A: The punishment is imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.