Step 1: Understanding the Concept.
The question deals with the concept of "instigation," which is one of the modes of committing abetment under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Abetment involves encouraging, inciting, or aiding another person to commit an offence.
Step 2: Key Legal Provision.
Section 107 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 defines "Abetment of a thing." It states that a person abets the doing of a thing if they —
1. Instigate any person to do that thing; or
2. Engage with one or more persons in any conspiracy for doing that thing; or
3. Intentionally aid, by any act or illegal omission, the doing of that thing.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
The word "instigate" directly appears in the first clause of Section 107 IPC, making it clear that instigation itself constitutes abetment.
Let's analyze the other options:
- (B) Section 120(B): Deals with criminal conspiracy, which is a distinct offence.
- (C) Section 114: Applies when the abettor is present at the time of commission of the offence.
- (D) Section 144: Pertains to unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapons, unrelated to instigation.
Thus, Section 107 IPC is the most appropriate provision for acts of instigation.
Step 4: Final Answer.
Instigation of another person to commit an offence or perform an illegal act or omission falls under Section 107 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
A glance over all the Sections related to extortion would reveal a clear distinction being carried out between the actual commission of extortion and the process of putting a person in fear for the purpose of committing extortion. Section 383 defines extortion, the punishment therefor is given in Section 384. Sections 386 and 388 provide for an aggravated form of extortion. These sections deal with the actual commission of an act of extortion, whereas Sections 385, 387 and 389 IPC seek to punish for an act committed for the purpose of extortion even though the act of extortion may not be complete and property not delivered. It is in the process of committing an offence that a person is put in fear of injury, death or grievous hurt. Section 387 IPC provides for a stage prior to committing extortion, which is putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt ’in order to commit extortion’, similar to Section 385 IPC. Hence, Section 387 IPC is an aggravated form of 385 IPC, not 384 IPC. Having deliberated upon the offence of extortion and its forms, we proceed to analyze the essentials of both Sections, i.e.,383 and 387 IPC, the High Court dealt with.
(Extracted from Balaji Traders v. State of UP, 2025 INSC 806)