Question

According to the principle of joint liability, in an unlawful assembly with common object, which statement is true?

• A. The liability of each member in an unlawful assembly varies depending on their level of participation.
• B. Every member of an unlawful assembly is responsible only for their own acts.
• C. Every member of an unlawful assembly is responsible for acts committed by any other member.
• D. Only the main offender in an unlawful assembly is held liable for the acts committed.

Hint:

- Section 149 IPC deals with joint liability in an unlawful assembly.
- All members are liable if the act is committed in pursuit of the assembly's common object.
- Remember: In group offenses with shared intent, individual roles don’t exempt from liability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Under Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), if an offense is committed by any member of an unlawful assembly in prosecution of the common object of that assembly, every person who is a member of the same unlawful assembly is guilty of the offense.
This principle is known as joint liability and holds all members responsible for acts done in pursuit of the shared purpose of the group.
Let’s analyze the options:
- Option A: Incorrect. Liability does not vary individually; it's collective under joint liability.
- Option B: Incorrect. This applies to individual liability, not joint liability.
- Option C: Correct. In joint liability under Section 149 IPC, each member is liable for the acts committed by other members if done in pursuit of the common object.
- Option D: Incorrect. Not only the main offender, but all members sharing the common object are liable.
Therefore, the correct answer is (C).