Culpable homicide means

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Definition of Culpable Homicide:
Culpable homicide is defined under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. It refers to an act where a person causes the death of another with the intention of causing death or with the knowledge that their actions are likely to cause death. It is a broader term that may or may not amount to murder, depending on the circumstances.

Correct Answer:
The correct answer is Option D: Causing injury which is likely to cause death.

Explanation:
- According to Section 299 IPC, culpable homicide occurs when a person does an act that causes death, intending to cause death, or intending to cause such bodily injury as is likely to cause death.
- The key element of culpable homicide is the knowledge that the act is likely to result in death, even if death is not the definite outcome.
- The difference between culpable homicide and murder (Section 300 IPC) lies in the degree of intention and certainty of death. If the intention is strong and death is a certain result, it becomes murder. Otherwise, it remains culpable homicide.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Option A: Attempt to cause death – This refers to attempt to murder under Section 307 IPC, not culpable homicide.
- Option B: Causing death intentionally – This is a characteristic of murder under Section 300 IPC, which is a more severe offence than culpable homicide.
- Option C: Causing grievous injury – While grievous injury (Section 320 IPC) can lead to death in some cases, it does not always result in culpable homicide unless there is an intention or knowledge of likely death.

Conclusion:
Culpable homicide is an act where death is caused by an injury that is likely to cause death. The key factor is the likelihood of death, making Option D: Causing injury which is likely to cause death the correct answer.