Distinction between Assault and Affray – Explained!

Distinction between Assault and Affray are as follows:

Assault:

1. Assault denotes the prepara­tory acts which cause appre­hension of use of criminal force against the person.

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2. It is an offence relating to human body, but no physical contact.

3. The number of accused may be one or more.

4. It is committed in private place

5. Assault is concerned with the accused and victim.

6. In assault, the accused is only punished. The victim is not punished.

7. Punishment is three months imprisonment or fine upto Rs. 500/- or both.

Affray:

1. Affray is the fighting of two or more persons in a public place to the terror of people.

2. It is an offence against the public tranquillity and there is physical contact and fighting.

3. The number of persons may be two or more.

4. It is committed in public place.

5. Affray is not only concerned with the persons fighting, but also with public peace.

6. In affray, all the participants are punished.

7. Punishment is one month imprisonment or fine upto Rs. 100/- or with both.