Official Text
“Whoever is a thug, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- The accused meets the definition of a thug under Section 310.
- They were habitually associated with others for criminal purposes.
- The criminal purposes involved murder.
- The association was intentional and not accidental.
Potential Defenses:
- The accused does not meet the definition of a thug.
- No habitual association existed.
- No murder was involved.
- The association was not for criminal purposes.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
A person convicted of being a thug under Section 310.
What Doesn't Constitute:
A person convicted of a single robbery or murder without habitual association.
Important Case Laws
State of Maharashtra v. Dr. Anil Vasantrao Deshmukh (2021)
The Supreme Court upheld the severe punishment for thugs, emphasizing the gravity of habitual criminal association.
Punishment
Imprisonment for Life and Fine
Related Information
Connected Sections:
This section provides punishment for being a thug. It follows Section 310 (Definition of thug).
Procedural Aspects:
Prosecution requires proof of thug status under Section 310. The case is triable by a Court of Session.