CRIMINAL LAW PAPER I

Object of the Course

Crime and Punishment has been the one of the most important task of rule of law of the State.
This course is designed with a prime object to familiarize students with the principles of
criminal liability and other concepts of substantive criminal law
Learning Objectives of the Course
The learning -objectives of the course would be as follows-
To examine the historical evolution of criminal law maxims, doctrines, and principles.
To introduce you briefly the historical background to the codification of Indian law and
its implication on the criminal justice administration.
To analyze the sentencing policy of the penal law of the land.
To know the elements of crimes against person, property, order, and state.
To articulate the differences between Indian Law on one hand which is codified and non-
codified British law?
To comprehend key cases, legal terms, clauses, and chronologies in criminal law.
To analyze both early and contemporary judicial thinking and legal reasoning.
To articulate informed opinion over important, controversial issues in criminal law.
To recognize which issues are critical to the decision in a case.
To recognize important considerations dealing with the rights of criminal defendants.
Course Outline

Module I. Historical Development of Penal Law in India

Historical background to Indian Penal Law: Why penal code? First law commission and the
role of Lord Macaulay. Benthamite ideas and their influence. Napoleonic code and its
influence. Advantages and disadvantages of codification. Characteristics of the Indian Penal
code. Need for revision as seen by Macaulay. Interpretation of codified penal law.
References: Read Criminal Law Forum (Patric Fitzerald, Codes and Codification:
interpretation, Structure and Arrangement of Codes And Martin L.Friedland‘s Codification in
the Common Wealth: Earlier Efforts); Rankin: Background to Indian Law (Chapter IX,
Codification or development, p.135); Cowell: Court and Legislative Authorities (lecture VIII,
p.127); Stephen: History of English Law Vol. III (Last chapter on Indian Penal Code); W.H.
Morley: Administration of Justice in British India; Setelvad: Common Law in India (Chapter
211
III, Criminal Law, p. 124-176); J.D. Mayne: Indian Penal Code (Ed. II 1901,p.242-249);
Dharkar: Lord Macaulay legislative minutes (p. 59, 66, 137,140,214,239); Tapas Kumar
Banerjee: Background to Indian Criminal Law.
Crime – Nature and definition social & legal context –
Crime and sin
Criminal law and morality
Law & Ethics
Crime and Offence
Why do we criminalize an act or omission? Beccarria and Bentham. Hart H.L.A and modern
views. Outline of the Aims and Functions of the Criminal law.
Read; Text Book of Criminal Law: Glanville Williams (Universal Law Publishing Co.; p. 3-
36). J W Cecil Turner: Kenny’s Outlines of Criminal Law (Universal Law Publishing Co.
Ltd.; p. 1-5).

Essentials of offences
A. Human being
B. Guilty intention
C. Prohibited act
D. Harm/ Punishment
Stages of an offence
A. Intention
E. Preparation
F. Attempt
G. Commission of offence
Read; Text Book on Criminal Law: Michael J. Allen (chapter 2 & 3-p. 17- 80); Book of
Criminal Law: Glanville Williams (Universal Law Publishing Co.; p. 70-84). Criminal Law:
Smith and Hogan (Oxford University Press; p. 42-123). Mike Molan: Cases and Materials on
Criminal Law (Routledge Cavendish; p. 54-132). General Principles of Criminal Law:
Jerome Hall (The Bobbs-Merrin Comp. New York, p. 70-93).

Principles of Penal Law

NILLA POENA SINE LEGE
212
NLILLUM CRIMEN SINE LEGE
Retroactivity of criminal law, Narrow construction of criminal law, rule against judicial
creation of offences and vagueness of criminal statutes.
Read Two rules of Legality in Criminal Law: Peter K. Weston (Journal of Law and
Philosophy Vol. 26 May 2007 University of Michigan, p.229-305). General Principles of
Criminal Law: Jerome Hall (The Bobbs-Merrin Comp. New York, p. 27-64).
MENS REA AND Actus Reus
Meaning origin & development Means rea & Intention, Motive Knowledge, intention
recklessness and Negligence
Mens rea and Criminal liability
General Principles of liability
Principles of mela in se, mela prohibita
Joint liability
Vicarious liability
Strict liability
Absolute liability
Means rea and
(1) Socio-welfare offences
(2) Socio-Economic offences
References: Read Criminal Law Cases and Materials: K D Gaur (Butterworths; p. 207-229).
The Indian Penal Code: Ratanlal & Dhirajlal (Wadhwa & Company Nagpur; p. 32-56).
We will discuss State of Maharastra vs Mayor Hans George AIR 1965 SC 722,Srinivasmal
Barolia vs. Emperor AIR 1947 PC, Nathulal vs State of M.P. AIR 1966 SC 43,
Commissioner of Income Tax, Patiala vs. Patram DasAIR 1982 P & H 1, DPP vs Colloins
(2006) AER 602 (HL).
Barendra Kumar Ghosh v. Emperor, (1924) 52 IA 40, Cal. (PC), Mehboob Shah v. Emperor,
(1945), 47 Com LR 941(PC), Mukund Murari Pal v. Emperor, Nitya sen v. State of West
Bengal, 1978 Cr LJ 481, Vasudevan v. State of Kerala, (1994) 2 Cr LJ 1522, J.M. Desai v.
State of Maharastra, AIR 1960 SC 889, Srikantia v. State of Bombay, K.C. Mathew v. State
of Travancore, Allauddin v. State, Kabil Cazee v. State; Abdul Waheed Khan v. State of
Andhra Pradesh (2002)7SCC 175; Idrish Bhai Daud Bhai v. State of Gujrat (2005)3 SCC
277; Vijayanti v. State of Maharastra (2005)13 SCC
Jurisdiction of Indian Penal Code
(Sec 1 to Sec 5) Chapter I
Read; Text Book of Criminal Law: Glanville Williams (Universal Law Publishing Co.; p.
164-170). Indian Penal Code: R.A. Nelson’s (Butterworth’s; Volume I; p.1-70). The Indian
Penal Code: Ratanlal & Dhirajlal (Wadhwa & Company Nagpur; p. 2-10).
B. General explanations of the Indian Penal Code
Module Ii Inchoate offences
. Abetment
. Conspiracy
. Attempt
Read Principles of Criminal Law: Andrew Ashworth (Clarendon Law Series, chapter 11, p.
442 -468); Text Book on Criminal Law: Michael J. Allen (chapter 8-p. 228- 271); Text Book
of Criminal Law: Glanville Williams (Universal Law Publishing Co.; p. 402-445). Criminal
Law: Smith and Hogan (Oxford University Press; p. 379-464). Criminal Law: Clarkson and
Keating (Thomson: Sweet & Maxwell; p. 471-538).

Crime and punishment

Necessity and objectives of punishment
Different theories of punishment
Modern theory of punishment
Read; Text Book of Criminal Law: Glanville Williams (Universal Law Publishing Co.; p.
36-41). Criminal Law: Smith and Hogan (Oxford University Press; p. 3-9). Criminal Law:
Clarkson and Keating (Thomson: Sweet & Maxwell; p. 26-70).
Module III General Exceptions to Crimes under Indian Penal code –
General importance and purpose of basis these exception
K. Absence of Mens rea
L. For the ends of justice
A. Absence of Means rea
1. Mistake of fact, not mistake of law
2. Accident
3. To cause lesser harm, to save greater harm & compulsion
4. Infancy , doly incapex & doly capex principle
5. Act in good faith and for the benefit of victim
6. Acts done under compulsion
Cases for reference & Study, R. v. Prince (1875)LR 2 CCR 154; R v. Tolson (1889) 23 QBD
168, Sherras v. De Rutzen [1895] Q B 918, R v. Williams (1987)3 All ER 411, Hobbs v.
Winchester Corporation, Warner v. Metropolital Police Commissinor, State of Maharastra v.
M. H. George AIR 1965 SC 722, Nathumal v. State of M.P., Jogeswar v. Emperor , R. v.
Clarck (1972)1 All ER 219, Bhupendra Singh A Chaudasma v. State of Gujrat AIR 1997 SC
3790, Southwark London Borougn Council v. Williams (11971)2 All ER 175,R. v. Duddley
and Stephen (1884)14 QBD 273, Dhaniya Daji v. State, (1868) 5 BHC (Cr C) 59,
Bishwambhar v. Roomal , Makhulshah (1886) 1 Weir 470, Mussamut Aimona, (1864)1 WR
(Cr) 43, Ulla Mahapatra,(1950) Cut 293, Krishna Bhagwan v. State of Bihar AIR 1989 Pat.
217, M’Naughton’s Case (1843)4 St. Tr. (NS) 847, Laxman Dagdu, Ashiruddin v. Emperor,
50 Cr.LJ 225 Cal., Niman Sha v. M. P., 1996 Cr LJ 3395 MP, Director of Public Prosecutions
v. Beard (1920)AC 479, Basdev v. State of Pepsu, 1956 Cr LJ 919, AIR 1956 SC 488, R. v.
Lipman, (1969) 3 All ER, R. v. Kingston, (1994) 3 All ER 353 HL, Baboolan Hijrah, (1866)5
WR, Poonai Fattemah,(1869)12 W.R., Williams, (1923) 1 KB 340, Munney Khan v. State,
AIR 1971 SC 1491, Biran Singh, AIR 1975 SC 87,
B. For the ends of justice
1. Judicial acts
2. Acts done under consent
3. Trival offences

Right of Private Defence

a. Right of private defence of body

b. Right of private defence of property
Cases for reference & Study: Jaidev v. State of Punjab, AIR 1963 SC 612, Yogendra Morarji,
AIR 1980 SC 660, Mathre v. State of Kerala, 1993 Cr LJ 213 Ker.; Rizwan v. State of
Chhattisgarh (2003)2 SCC 661; Sucha Singh v. State of Punjab (2003)7 SCC 693
215
References: Read Criminal Law: Clarkson and Keating (Thomson: Sweet & Maxwell; p. 265
onwards). Criminal Law: Smith and Hogan (Oxford University Press; p. 321-378). J W Cecil
Turner: Kenny’s Outlines of Criminal Law (Universal Law Publishing Co. Ltd.; p. 57-98).

Module IV Offences affecting to Human body (Sec 299-377)

(A) Offences against Human Life (ss 299 – 318 )
I. Culpable Homicide (SS 299, 301 & 304)
II. Murder ss300-303
III. Causing death by negligence (ss 304A)
IV. Abetment of suicide (ss 305-306)
V. Attempt to commit the above three offences (ss 307 -309)
VI. Being a Thug (ss 310-311)
VII. Causing miscarriage, exposure by children (ss 307-309)
Referred Cases:
R v Govinda IBL Bom 342
R Punaiya v State
Versa Singh v. Sate of Punjab AIR 1958 Sc 465
(Injury Sufficient to cause death.)
Chhote Singh Vs. State of Rajasthan (Injury Sufficient to cause death)
KM Nanavati Vs. State of Maharastra, AIR 1962 SC 605
Honsa Singh Vs. State of Punjab AIR 1977 SC 1801
Jagnohan Singh vs State of U.P. AIR 1973 SC 947
Bachan Singh vs Sate of Punjab AIR 1980 Sc 898
Machhi Singh Vs State of Punjab AIR 1983 SC 957
Nathu Ram Godse vs The Crorum AIR 1983 Easi Punjab 321
Kehar Singh Vs. Delhi Administration AIR 1988 SC 1883
Laxman Naik Vs State of Orissa AIR 1995 Sc 1387
State CBI/SIT Vs Nalini and Others (1999) 105 Cr,. LS 3124
Exception 1. Muther vs State of Tamil Nadu (2007) September 547
Act of Sadomoy on Som Exc 1 to 300
Exception 2. Lachmi Koeri Vs. State of Bihar, AIR 1960 Pat. 62
Exception. 3 Dukhi Singh vs State AIR 1955 All 379
Exception 4. Amrithalinga Nadu Vs. State of Tamil Nadu AIR 1976 SC 1133
Naveen Chandra Vs State of Uttarnchal AIR 2007 SC 363
Pappu Vs. State of Madhya Pradesh AIR 2006 SC 2659 Ajit Pasv
Exception 5.
Dasrath Paswan vs State of Bihar AIR 1958 Pat 190
S-301
217
 Ballan vs State of Uttar Pradesh AIR Rig 55 All 626
S-303
Mithhu Vs State of Punjab AIR 1983 SC 473, US – Locktt Vohir 43845596 (1977) -466.
(Constitutionality of Death Sentence).
S-304A
Homicide by negligence 304A
Juggan Khan v. State of M.P. AIR 1965 SC 831
Doctor negligently injected poisons liquid
Jacob Mathew Vs State of Punjab (2005) 6 Sec1 – 454
(B) Offences against the Human body (319-377)
I. Hurt (Simple and grievous) (Sec 329-338)
II. Wrongful Restraint and wrongful confinement (ss 339 - 348)
III. Criminal force & assault (ss 349-358)
IV. Kidnapping, Abduction, Slavery & forced labours (ss 359-374)
V. Unnatural offence (ss 377)
Homosexuality
LAW COMMISSION REPORT
Referred Cases:
S. Vardarajan Vs State of Madras AIR 1965 SC 942
Thakorilal D Vadgana Vs State of Gujurat AIR 1973 SC 2313
R VA (1978) 3 ALLER 161 – 511
S-364 A
Abdul Karim Vs. Sate of Karnataka AIR 2001 SC 116
Module V. Offences against women (SS 304B, 354, 509, 375-376ABCD, 363-373)

a) Dowry Death (S.304.B), out raging the Modesty of women(S.354 A,B,C & D), Acid
Attack (S.326 A&B).
b) Rape, - New Dimentions – Unnatural offences and its new developments change of
law – Evidence and Procedure J. S. Varma Commission Report and Law (S.375,
S.376 A,B,C,D &E & S.377).
c) Cruelty (S.498.A) and offences relating to Marriage(S.493-498)
d) Obscenity (S.292, 293 & 294) – Offences against Public Morality and Religion-
Indecent Representation of women (Prohibition) Act (1986).
e) Production of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005).
f) The Tamil Nadu prohibition of Harassment of Women Act 1998(T.N. Act 44 of
1998).

Referred Cases:
Shanti Vs Sate of Haryana AIR 1991 SC 1226
State (Delhi Administration) Vs Laxman Kenar
Indian Federation of Women Lawer vs Shakumila
Brij Lal Vs Prem Chand AIR 1986 SC 250
State of Pujab Vs. Prem Chand AIR 1989 SC
Sekhar Tiwari Vs. State of U.P. AIR 1989 SC 733
S-306
218
Sanjay Vs State of Maharstra AIR 2007 SC 1368
State of Punjab v Iqbal Singh AIR 1991 SC 1532
S-309
 Muruti Sripati Dubal Vs State of Maharastra 1987 LJ 743
P Rathinan Vs Union of India AIR 1994 SC 1844
Gian Kaur V.s State if Punjab AIR 1996 SC 946
(Constitutionality of Euthanasia and Mercy killing to be discussed).
(II) Cruelty against Women by Husband or relatives 498A
(III) Outraging modesty of a women (S. 354)
Rupan Deo Bajaj v. Kanwar Pal Singh Gill (1995) 6 Sec 194, AIR 1996 Sc 309
Ram Das v . State W.B. AIR 1954 SC 711
(IV) Insulting the privacy of a woman (S. 509)
(V) Rape (S. 375 – 376 ABCD Law commissions report 172)
Referred Cases:
Tukaram v. State of Maharastra AIR 1979 SC 185 Mathere case
Dillip Singh v. State of Bihar (2005) 1 SCC 88
(Submission and Consent) .
Queen v. Flattery (1877) 2 ABD 410
(Consent under Misconception no defense).
Tulshidas Kandolkar v. State Goa (2003) 8 CC 590
( Girl of undeveloped mental faculties can not be said legally consented).
State of Maharastra v. Prakash AIR 1992 SC 1275
Sidheswar Ganguly v. State of West Bengal (Consent below 16)
Bharwada Bhogimbhai Hirjibhai v. State of Gujirat AIR 1983 Sc 753
(Corroboration not necessary as essential ingredient)
Bodhisattava Gaulam v. Subhra Chakroborty AIR 1996 SC 922
(Compensation during pandency of case
Delhi Domestic Working Women Forum v. Union of India AIR 1996 SC 922
(Broad parameters for assaulting rape victim by SC)
Priya Patel v. State of OGP AIR 2006 SC 2639
Brother John Anthony v. State of Tamil Nadu ( 1992) CrLJ 1352
(Temple Monk Guilty of Sodomy on 13 yr Boy)
State of Karnataka v. Gauri Shankar Swammy T.O.I 3 February 2004
(Homosexual legality).
(B) Crime under special laws
(I) Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987
(II) Dowry prohibition act, 1961
219
(III) The immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
(IV) The Indecent Representation of women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
(V) The child marriage restrain (Amendment) Act, 1979
(VI) Prevention of women from domestic violence Act, 2005

Module VI. Offences against property (SS 378 462)

These offences can be put-into the following three categories
A. Offences dealing with deprivation of property SS 378-424
(I) Theft (S. 378) along with its aggravated forms (SS 380-382)
(II) Extortion (SS 383-389)
(III) Robbery (SS 390, 392-394 & 401)
(IV) Dacoity (SS 391, 395-400) & 402)
(V) Criminal Misappropriation of Property (SS 403-404)
(VI) Criminal Breach of Trust (SS 405-409)
(VII) Receiving stolen property (SS 410-411)
(VIII) Cheating (SS 415 -420)
(IX) Fraudulent deeds and Disposition of property (SS 421-424)
Referred Cases:
Behari Lal Vs State 1985 CrLJ 1507 (Del)
Putton Vs State AIR 1992 SC 1032
P.B. Aind Vs State of Maharastra 1995 CrLJ 1694
State Vs Gopalan 1997 CrLJ NOC 279 (Icer)
Om Prakash Vs State AIR 1983 SC 431
(Looted property not recovered)
Phool Kumar Vs Delhi Administration 1975 Sec (Cr) 336
B. Offences Dealing with Damage to property (SS 425-440)
Mischief (Sec 425)
Aggravated forms of mischief (SS 427-440)
Module VI. Offences relating to violation of rights to property and Document, Property
& Currency

A. Violation of Rights to Property in order to commit other offences (SS 441-462)

(I) Criminal Trespass (Section 441, 447)
(II) House Trespass (Section 442, 448-452)
(III) Lurking House Trespass ((Section 443-444, 453)
(IV) House breaking (Section 445-462) including aggravated forms of housing braking
B. Offences relating to Documents and Property Marks (section 463-489E)
(i) Forgery (section 463, 465)
(ii) Marking a False document (section 464)
(iii) Forged document (section 470)
(iv) Falsification of accounts (section 477 A)
(v) Other offences relating to documents (section 472-477)