3119924, 717 PM Difference Between Common Intention and Common Object
Difference Between Common Intention and Common
Object
Legal Studies Introduction To Law
It is a reality that crimes are usually committed by a group of people instead of a single
individual, therefore, the Indian Penal Code, 1860 provides for the concept of joint liability.
It implies that when more than one person is involved either in the preparation or
commission of an offence, then they both would be liable for the same.
Although, there exists an exception to the fact that joint liability of all the people involved
in crime would be determined on the basis of their intention, object, and participation.
Hence, the liability can either be imposed uniformly or individually, nevertheless, the
punishment is always rigorous whenever a crime is committed in a group
What is the meaning of Common Intention?
Section 34 of the IPC provides that when a criminal act is done by several persons in
furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in
the same manner as if it were done by him alone. It means that whenever an unlawful act
is committed by more than one person for achieving an intention which is common to all
of them, they all would be liable equally, irrespective of the fact that what kind of role is
played by them individually, though physical participation is required.
It is a general provision which is applicable to all the offences and a person can easily be
made liable for the acts of another if he or she had participated in making the intention.
htps ww toilspoint comvdiference-between-common-intenon-and-common-object 183119124, 717 PM
Difference Between Common Intention and Common Object
Intention herein means the planning to commit an offence and it must exist before
commission and all of them must have acted in its pursuance.
What is the meaning of Common Object?
Chapter VIII of IPC provides provisions related to common object of an unlawful assembly
for instance Section 141 specifies that an assembly of five or more persons would be an
unlawful assembly if its common object is to disrupt public tranquility. Section 142
provides that being a member of an unlawful assembly is an offence punishable under
Section 143.
Thus, it basically implies that if a person joins or continues to be a member an unlawful
assembly while being aware of its common object then he or she is liable for the acts of
other members which are done in pursuance of the common object irrespective of the fact
whether that person participated or not in the commission or preparation of the offence.
Hence, having knowledge of the common object attracts criminal liability. Also, the
common object must be one of those listed in Section 141 and nothing else. Additionally,
an act done in pursuance of the common object must be immediate and not remote
Difference Between Common Intention and Common Object
The tabular form contrast between Common Intention and Common Object remarks the
critical difference between the two which is as follows —
Basis Common Intention
Offence Common Intention is not an
offence itself, instead it needs to
be applied with other offences,
thus it establishes constructive
liability.
Definition Common Intention implies that
two or more persons have a
similar mindset.
Persons ‘Two or more persons can form a
common intention.
Liability All the persons are equally and
vicariously liable for the offence.
Preparation _Alll the persons involved need to
have formed the common
htps ww toilspoint comvdiference-between-common-intenon-and-common-object
Common Object
Being a member of an unlawful
assembly and having knowledge of
its common object is a substantial
offence in itself.
Common Object is the aim of an
unlawful assembly which is shared
by its members.
Five or more persons are necessary
to have a common object.
The liability differs individually based
on knowledge of each member.
It is only the knowledge on the part
of all the persons is necessary about
2183119924, 717 PM Difference Between Common Intention and Common Object
intention and agreed to before —_ the common object and not about
committing the offence. the commission of the offence.
Participation To make persons liable, there Participation in the commission or
needs to be participation in the —_ preparation of the offence is not
commission of the offence. necessary, instead active
participation in the assembly is
essential.
Proof The existence of mens rea of Proof of mens rea is not necessary
prior agreement can be proved __ thus the object can be established
by facts and circumstances of by evidencing any prior stage of
the case. acknowledgment.
Common The intention to do an act differs The object needs to be one of those
from offence to offence. mentioned in Section 141.
Conclusion
The principle of joint liability is categorically established by the provisions of the code
which are essential to determine the liabilities which should be equally imposed upon them
as generally there are chances of escaping the accountability by burdening others. Thus,
the rule has been devised to maintain the equilibrium and to prevent the offenders from
taking advantage of their own wrong
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common object?
A common object is a purpose shared by all members of an unlawful gathering. Prior
agreement and consensus are required. Required prior to the commission of the crime.
What is a common intention?
A predefined plan operating in concert in line with the plan is defined as a common goal. It
must be demonstrated that the unlawful act was carried out in conjunction with a pre-
planned strategy, It exists in time previous to the commission of the act, although it does
not have to be a significant gap.
htps ww toilspoint comvdiference-between-common-intenon-and-common-object 38