Question

Which one of the following is an essential element of culpable homicide?

• A. ownership of a disputable property
• B. possession
• C. money
• D. causing death of a human being

Hint:

The term "homicide" itself translates to "human killing."
Therefore, causing the death of a human being is the most fundamental physical element of any form of homicide.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question tests our knowledge of the essential ingredients of the offense of culpable homicide.
We need to identify the core actus reus (guilty act) required to constitute this offense from the given options.


Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Under Section 299 of the IPC, a person commits culpable homicide if they cause death by doing an act.

• The act must be done with the intention of causing death, or with the intention of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, or with the knowledge that the act is likely to cause death.

• The physical act of causing the death of a human being is the indispensable actus reus of this offense.

• Disputes regarding property, possession, or monetary transactions can act as motives or background factors leading to the crime, but they are not legal elements of the crime itself.

• Homicide literally means the killing of a human being by another human being (homo meaning human, cide meaning killing).

• Thus, without the death of a human being, the offense of culpable homicide cannot be established.



Step 3: Final Answer:
The causing of the death of a human being is the essential element of culpable homicide, which is Option (D).