Shared Intent Enough for Conviction Under Section 149 IPC, Rules Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of three accused in a group assault case that led to one death, reiterating that every member of an unlawful assembly need not commit an overt act to attract liability under Section 149 IPC.

The Bench held that once a common object and participation in the attack are established, all members are vicariously liable for the outcome.

In this case, the accused did not deliver the fatal blow but aided and supported the assault, conduct the Court found sufficient to affirm their conviction.

(Bhausaheb Dinkar Kharuse & Anr v State of Maharashtra)