Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Criminal conspiracy is punishable even if no offence is committed. Reason (R): Agreement itself is essence of criminal conspiracy. Choose the most appropriate answer.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

In criminal conspiracy, the unlawful agreement itself is the foundation of liability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Criminal conspiracy is based on agreement between two or more persons to do an illegal act or a legal act by illegal means.

Step 1: Check Assertion (A).
Criminal conspiracy may be punishable even if the planned offence is not actually committed. \[ A = \text{Correct} \]

Step 2: Check Reason (R).
The essence of conspiracy is the agreement itself. The moment there is unlawful agreement, the offence of conspiracy may be complete. \[ R = \text{Correct} \]

Step 3: Check explanation.
Reason explains why conspiracy can be punished even without commission of the final offence. Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation.