Attempt in the PPC in 9 cards.

The law.

Section 511, PPC.

“Whoever attempts to commit an offence punishable by this Code with imprisonment for life or imprisonment, or to cause such an offence to be committed, and in such attempt does any act towards the commission of the offence, shall, where no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment of such attempt, be punished ... for a term which may extend to one-half of the longest term ...”

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 511, Attempting to commit offences

The line. Cards 1 to 3.

1991 MLD 1823, Sindh High Court.

• PreparationDevising or arranging the means. Not yet an attempt. (1991 MLD 1823)
• AttemptA direct move towards the offence, after preparing. (1991 MLD 1823)
• The matchesBuying them is not attempted arson. Lighting one at the stack may be. (1991 MLD 1823)

Section 511. Cards 4 to 6.

The general rule.

• The termUp to half the longest term for the offence. (s.511)
• ResidualOnly where the Code has no express attempt section. (s.511)
• Causing itAttempting to cause the offence to be committed counts. (s.511)

Quick quiz. The empty box.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

• A. No, nothing to steal
• B. Yes, under s.511
• C. Only of mischief

Answer: B. Illustration (a).

Section 511, PPC.

• The boxHe did an act towards theft, so s.511 applies.
• The pocketIllustration (b): an empty pocket, same result.

Express sections.

Cards 7 to 9.

• Attempt to qatl-i-amdUp to 10 years and fine, plus the punishment for any hurt. (s.324)
• Attempt to robRigorous imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine. (s.393)
• Armed attemptNot less than 7 years, if armed with a deadly weapon. (s.398)

Courts differ.

Section 324, at the bail stage.

• 2024 PCrLJ 940Sindh High Court: s.324 draws no line between vital and non-vital parts.
• 2017 YLR 1274Lahore High Court: a shot to the ankle. Intention to kill must be shown. Bail granted.

Mix-ups to avoid.

Three lines examiners test.

• Check firstLook for an express attempt section before s.511.
• Half of whatHalf the longest term, not half the sentence given.
• ImpossibleAn empty box or pocket is still an attempt.

Stuck on attempt?

Ask FAI. It answers with the exact section and the judgments that explain it.

• Explain the difference between preparation and attempt in the PPC with cases.
• When does section 511 PPC apply instead of a specific attempt section?

Example questions

Sources

• Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 511
  Attempting to commit offences Pakistan Code