Section 57 deals with situations where a person abets (encourages or instigates) an offence to be committed by the general public or by any group of more than ten individuals. It ensures strict punishment for those who provoke mass offences, recognizing the greater risk posed by collective actions.
Key Provisions:
- General Rule:
Whoever abets the commission of an offence:- By the public generally, or
- By any group/class of more than ten persons,shall be punished with:
- Imprisonment of either description (simple or rigorous) for a term up to seven years, and
- Fine.
How It Protects:
- Deters individuals from provoking large gatherings to commit unlawful acts.
- Recognizes that offences committed by groups or mobs can cause wider harm and unrest.
- Imposes serious punishment to maintain public order and safety.
Example:
- A puts up a placard in a public place, instigating a religious sect (with more than ten members) to attack members of a rival sect during a procession.
- A has committed the offence under this section, even if the attack does not actually happen.