Question

What is the offence where preparation itself of an offence is punishable:

• A. Theft
• B. Dacoity
• C. Murder
• D. Rape

Hint:

Preparation is generally not punishable except in certain grave offences like dacoity and waging war against the state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Generally, under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), preparation to commit a crime is not punishable; only the attempt or completion of the offence is punishable. However, there are certain exceptional offences where even preparation is treated as an offence due to the serious threat they pose to society.
Step 2: Legal Provision:
Under Section 399 of the Indian Penal Code, preparation to commit dacoity is specifically made punishable. The law recognizes that assembling or making preparations for dacoity poses a significant public threat, even if the act has not yet been carried out.
Step 3: Analysis of Options:
- (A) Theft: Only the attempt or act of theft is punishable, not mere preparation.
- (B) Dacoity: Correct. Preparation for dacoity is punishable under Section 399 IPC.
- (C) Murder: Mere preparation to commit murder is not punishable unless an attempt is made.
- (D) Rape: Similarly, preparation to commit rape is not punishable unless an attempt is proven.
Step 4: Final Conclusion:
The correct answer is (B) Dacoity, as Section 399 IPC explicitly makes preparation to commit dacoity a punishable offence.