2023 SCMR 929


Dacoity and dacoity with murder --- Expression ' conjointly ' --- Meaning --- Use of word ' conjointly ' in sections 391 & 396 , P.P.C. indicates that five or more dacoits act with knowledge and consent and in aid of one another or pursuant to an agreement or understanding , i.e. , unitedly --- For the offence of dacoity , the essential pre - requisite is the joint participation of five or more persons in the commission of the offence --- If in the course thereof any one of them commits murder , all members of the assembly would be guilty of dacoity with murder and would expose themselves to the punishment stipulated in section 396 , P.P.C.