BNS Section 54 — Abettor present when offence is committed

Summary

If a person would be punished as an abettor for an offence even when they are absent at the time it is committed, and that same person is actually present when the act or offence is committed, then the law treats them as if they themselves committed the act or offence. In other words, their presence at the scene upgrades their status from abettor to principal offender, and they are liable to be punished accordingly.

Official Text

Whenever any person, who is absent would be liable to be punished as an abettor, is present when the act or offence for which he would be punishable in consequence of the abetment is committed, he shall be deemed to have committed such act or offence.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1531 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.6 p.280 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2024) Vol.8 p.670 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• SC (2025) Vol.9 p.283 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.7 p.105 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.80 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• IPC §114 — Abettor present when offence is committed