Attempt to cheat is established by overt acts showing progress toward deception, even if the fraud is not completed.

An attempt to cheat is made out where the 's external acts clearly progress towards the offence, even if the cheating is not completed. The court found that the appellant induced the complainant to deal in coins represented as silver, arranged delivery at a secluded place, and brought a larger quantity of similar coins that were counterfeit and made of lead and zinc. On those facts, the conduct constituted an attempt punishable under Sections 420 and 511 of the Indian Penal Code, and the conviction was upheld.

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Issues: Whether the appellant's acts constituted an attempt to cheat punishable under Section 420 read with Section 511 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Analysis: The evidence showed that the appellant induced the complainant to deal with coins represented as silver, brought a larger quantity of similar coins, and arranged a meeting at a secluded place where the coins were delivered. The coins were found to be counterfeit, being made of a mixture of lead and zinc. An attempt under the Indian Penal Code is complete when there is some external act, tangible and ostensible, showing progress towards the commission of the offence, even if the completion is interrupted before actual cheating occurs.

Conclusion: The appellant's conduct amounted to an attempt to cheat, and the conviction under Sections 420/511 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 was justified.

Final Conclusion: The conviction was upheld and the appeal was dismissed.

Ratio Decidendi: An attempt to commit an offence is established when the accused does an external act showing progress towards the commission of the offence, even though the intended offence is not completed.

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