Section 95 - Attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment.

Whoever attempts to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment or to cause such an offence to be committed and in the attempt does an act towards the commission of the offence shall, where no express provision is made by this Penal Code or by any other Act or Law for the time being in force for the punishment of the attempt, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one half of the longest term provided for that offence or with such fine as is provided for the offence or with both.

Illustration

(a) A makes an attempt to steal some jewels by breaking open a box and finds after so opening the box that there is no jewel 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 Z's having nothing in his pocket. A is guilty under this section.