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    Question

    In the landmark caseĀ State of Andhra Pradesh v.

    Rayavarapu Punnayya & Another (1976), the Supreme Court laid down comprehensive principles for distinguishing culpable homicide from murder. The Court established that: Which principle regarding the distinction between culpable homicide and murder was established in this landmark judgment?
    A Culpable homicide and murder are distinct offences with entirely separate definitions and no overlap. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Culpable homicide is the genus, and murder is the specie; all murders are culpable homicides, but not all culpable homicides are murders. The degree of probability of death occurring determines whether an act falls under murder or culpable homicide. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Murder requires proof of specific motive; without motive, culpable homicide is the only applicable offence. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D The distinction between culpable homicide and murder depends solely on the weapon used; use of dangerous weapons always constitutes murder. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Culpable homicide is a cognizable offence, while murder is non-cognizable, creating fundamental procedural differences in prosecution. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    In State of Andhra Pradesh v. Rayavarapu Punnayya & Another (1976), the Supreme Court held that "culpable homicide" is the genus and "murder" is the specie. This foundational principle means that all murders are forms of culpable homicide, but not all culpable homicides constitute murder. The Court emphasized that the degree of probability of death occurringā€”i.e., the likelihood and imminence of deathā€”is the distinguishing factor. Acts committed with special characteristics (intention, knowledge, and severity of injury) elevate culpable homicide to murder. This 3-step inquiry (whether death was caused, whether it amounts to culpable homicide, whether it falls within murder's definition) has guided Indian criminal jurisprudence.

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