1. What is Section 299 IPC?
Section 299 IPC defines the offence of Culpable Homicide.
Meaning of Culpable Homicide
Culpable (ˈkʌl.pə.bəl) = deserving blame
Homicide (ˈhɒmɪsaɪd) = killing of a human being
Culpable Homicide means causing the death of a person with intention or knowledge.
2. Legal Definition (Simplified)
A person commits culpable homicide if he causes death by doing an act:
- With the intention (ɪnˈtɛnʃən) to cause death, or
- With the intention to cause such bodily injury (ˈbɒdɪli ˈɪndʒəri) as is likely (ˈlaɪkli) to cause death, or
- With the knowledge (ˈnɒlɪdʒ) that his act is likely to cause death.
3. Important Keywords Explained
- Intention (ɪnˈtɛnʃən): A clear aim or purpose to do something
- Knowledge (ˈnɒlɪdʒ): Awareness that the act can cause death
- Likely (ˈlaɪkli): Probably going to happen
- Bodily Injury (ˈbɒdɪli ˈɪndʒəri): Physical harm to the body
4. Example for Easy Understanding
- A attacks B with a knife intending to kill → Culpable Homicide
- A hits B on the head knowing it can cause death → Culpable Homicide
- A causes serious injury that is likely to cause death → Culpable Homicide
5. Punishment for Section 299 IPC
Important Note:
Section 299 only defines the offence.
Punishment is given under Section 304 IPC, not under 299.
6. Punishment under Section 304 IPC
Section 304 – Part I
When death is caused with intention:
- Imprisonment for life, or
- Imprisonment up to 10 years, and
- Fine
Section 304 – Part II
When death is caused with knowledge but without intention:
- Imprisonment up to 10 years, or
- Fine, or
- Both
7. Difference Between Murder and Culpable Homicide
- Culpable Homicide (Section 299) is broader
- Murder (Section 300) is a more serious form of culpable homicide
All murders are culpable homicide, but all culpable homicides are not murder.
