criminalEnglish origin

Attempt to Commit Offence

A direct, proximate act towards committing an offence that falls short of completion.

Full Definition

An attempt goes beyond preparation and moves towards commission but fails to complete. The test is proximity. Mere preparation is not punishable; an attempt is.

In Indian Law

IPC Section 511 (BNS Section 62) � half the maximum punishment or 2 years, whichever is less. Section 307 (attempt to murder). In Abhayanand Mishra v. State of Bihar (1961), the Supreme Court laid down the preparation vs. attempt test.

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Landmark Cases

Abhayanand Mishra v. State of Bihar (1961) � Preparation vs attempt test

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Quick Facts

LetterA
Categorycriminal
OriginEnglish
Laws1 section(s)