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    Question

    In the landmark case Virsa Singh v. State of Punjab

    (1958), the Supreme Court laid down the principles for distinguishing between culpable homicide and murder. The case involved a knife attack on the victim's abdomen. The Court held that under Section 300 Thirdly of the IPC (now Section 101 Thirdly of BNS): Which of the following correctly articulates the principle established in Virsa Singh v. State of Punjab?
    A Murder requires the direct intention to cause death; intention to cause bodily injury is insufficient. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B If an offender intends to cause a particular bodily injury, and that injury is sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature, and the offender has knowledge that such injury is likely to cause death, it amounts to murder. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C The location of the injury on the body is irrelevant; only the intention to kill matters. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D An abdominal wound by a knife automatically constitutes murder regardless of the offender's intention. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Intention to cause any bodily injury, even if not likely to cause death, amounts to murder under Section 300 Thirdly. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    In Virsa Singh v. State of Punjab (1958), the Supreme Court established that murder under Section 300 Thirdly (now Section 101 Thirdly of BNS) requires: (1) an intention to cause a particular bodily injury, (2) the injury must be sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature, and (3) knowledge that such injury is likely to cause death. The Court emphasized that the intention to kill is not necessary; intention regarding the bodily injury suffices. The judgment also clarified that it mattered whether the offender intended to cause the injury (a knife to the abdomen), not whether they intended to kill. This principle has become foundational in distinguishing culpable homicide from murder in Indian criminal jurisprudence.

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