Sunday, 11 September 2022

What is distinction between common intention and similar intention?

 Section 33 defines the "act" to mean as well a series of acts as a single act and the word "omission" denotes as well a series of omissions as a single omission. The distinction between a "common intention" and a "similar intention" which is real and substantial is also not to be lost sight of. The common intention implies a pre-arranged plan but in a given case it may develop at the spur of the moment in the course of the commission of the offence. Such common intention which developed at the spur of the moment is different from the similar intention actuated by a number of persons at the same time. The distinction between "common intention" and "similar intention" may be fine but is nonetheless a real one and if overlooked may lead to miscarriage of justice.

After referring to Mahboob Shah's case (supra) this Court in Mohan Singh & anr. vs. State of Punjab [AIR 1963 174] observed, it is now well settled that the common intention required by Section 34 is different from the same intention or similar intention. The persons having similar intention which is not the result of pre-concerted plan cannot be held guilty for the "criminal act" with the aid of Section 34.

Supreme Court of India
Suresh And Anr vs State Of U.P on 2 March, 2001
Bench: R.P. Sethi, B.N. Agrawal

           CASE NO.:
Appeal (crl.) 821  of  2000
Appeal (crl.)	160	 of  2001
Read full Judgment here: Click here

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