CHAPTER XXIII
OF ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT OFFENCES
511. Punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment
for life or for a shorter terms: Whoever attempts to commit an offence punishable by
this Code with imprisonment for life or imprisonment, or to cause such an offence to be
committed, and in such attempt does any act towards the commission of the offence, shall
where no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment bf such attempt, be
punished with imprisonment of any description provided for the offence for a term which
may extend to one-half of the longest term of imprisonment provided for that offence or
with such fine daman as is provided for the offence, or with both.
Illustration
(a) A makes an attempt to steal some jewels by breaking, open the box, and finds after so
opening the box, that there is no jewels in it. He has done an act towards the commission
of theft, and therefore is guilty under this section.
(b) A makes an attempt to pick the pocket of Z by thrusting his hand into Z's pocket, A fails
in the attempt in consequence of 2's having nothing in his pocket. A is guilty under this
section.