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IPC Section 120A - Definition of criminal conspiracy
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2026
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
(IPC section is included as sub-section in BNS.)
Please refer to BNS 61 for updated procedures & punishments.
- an illegal act, or
- an act which is not illegal by illegal means, such an agreement is designated a criminal conspiracy;
Provided that no agreement except an agreement to commit an offence shall amount to a criminal conspiracy unless some act besides the agreement is done by one or more parties to such agreement in pursuance thereof.
IPC 120A in Simple Words
Section 120A of the Indian Penal Code states that when two or more people agree to do an illegal act or achieve a legal act through illegal means, it is considered a criminal conspiracy, but the agreement alone is not enough unless some action is taken to carry it out.
Definition of criminal conspiracy
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients of 120A?
A criminal act or A criminal act is one that is committed by means of illegal means.
What is Section 120 IPC in India?
If this Code does not expressly address the punishment for such a conspiracy then the person who is part of it will be punished the same way as if they had abetted the crime.
What is the difference between Section 34 and 120A IPC?
What is the difference between Section 34 and Section 120A of IPC 1860? In order to apply section 34, it is necessary that the act be done with a common intention. However, in order to apply section 120A, only an intention must be present. 10 May 2022
What is the Supreme Court Judgement on Section 120B IPC?
The Supreme Court ruled that a physical manifestation of an agreement to commit a crime is necessary to be charged with Criminal Conspiracy in Section 120B of Indian Penal Code. 25 August 2022
