Section 299: Culpable homicide | The Indian Penal Code 1860

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Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi and Suresh have a long-standing feud. One day, Ravi sees Suresh walking alone on a deserted road. Ravi, with the intention of causing serious harm, hits Suresh on the head with a heavy iron rod. Suresh falls to the ground and dies due to the injury. Here, Ravi has committed culpable homicide because he caused Suresh's death with the intention of causing such bodily injury that is likely to cause death.

Example 2:

Meena is aware that her neighbor, Ramesh, has a severe heart condition. During an argument, Meena intentionally pushes Ramesh down the stairs, knowing that such an act is likely to cause his death due to his condition. Ramesh dies from the fall. Meena has committed culpable homicide because she acted with the knowledge that her actions were likely to cause Ramesh's death.

Example 3:

During a festival, Raj sets off fireworks in a crowded area, knowing that it is likely to cause harm. One of the fireworks hits a bystander, Priya, causing severe burns. Priya later dies from her injuries. Raj has committed culpable homicide because he acted with the knowledge that his actions were likely to cause death.

Example 4:

Anil, a hunter, sees movement in the bushes and, thinking it is a deer, shoots his rifle. Unfortunately, it is a fellow hunter, Vijay, who is hit and killed. Anil did not intend to kill Vijay, nor did he know that his actions were likely to cause death. Therefore, Anil has not committed culpable homicide.

Example 5:

Sunita, a nurse, administers a high dose of medication to a patient, knowing that it is likely to cause death. The patient dies as a result. Sunita has committed culpable homicide because she acted with the knowledge that her actions were likely to cause death.

Example 6:

During a heated argument, Karan pushes his elderly father, who is suffering from a severe illness. The push accelerates his father's death. Karan has committed culpable homicide because he caused bodily injury to someone who was already infirm, thereby accelerating their death.