Solution

Preparation stage in committing the offence of robbery is not punishable in any case. As per IPC, in case of every crime there are 4 stages of a crime. Firstly, there is an intention to commit it, secondly, preparation to commit it, thirdly, attempt to commit it and lastly the accomplishment. •        Generally, preparation to commit any offence is not punishable but in some exceptional cases preparation is punishable. Following are some examples of such exceptional circumstances- •         Preparation to wage war against the Government - Section 122, IPC 1860; •         Preparation to commit depredation on territories of a power at peace with Government of India- Section 126, IPC 1860; •         Preparation to commit dacoity- Section 399, IPC 1860; •         Preparation for counterfeiting of coins or Government stamps- Sections 233-235, S. 255 and S. 257; •         Possessing counterfeit coins, false weight or measurement and forged documents. Mere possession of these is a crime and no possessor can plead that he is still at the stage of preparation- Sections 242, 243, 259, 266 and 474.