Section 304 IPC

Section 304 IPC-Punishment for Voluntarily Causing Hurt

Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses the offense of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. This section differentiates between murder and other forms of culpable homicide, with the former involving premeditation and the latter typically arising from a lack of premeditation or intention to kill. Under Section 304, the punishment for causing death by culpable homicide is less severe than for murder, reflecting the lesser degree of intent or malice involved. The section is divided into two parts: one provides for life imprisonment or imprisonment for a term extending to 10 years, and the other, in cases where the act was committed without premeditation, stipulates imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years, along with a possible fine. This legal framework aims to address varying degrees of criminal culpability, ensuring that justice is proportionate to the offender's intent and actions.