Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC): The Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860 is the principal criminal code of India, enacted to define offenses and prescribe punishments for various crimes. It provides a comprehensive framework for criminal law, covering a wide range of offenses from theft and murder to defamation and public order. The IPC aims to maintain law and order in society and ensure justice by establishing legal standards for criminal behavior. Over the years, it has undergone several amendments to address changing societal norms and emerging crimes.
Indian Penal Code 1860 | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 | ||
Chapter | Particulars | Chapter | Particulars |
I | Introduction and definitions (Sections 1-5) | I | General Explanations, Application, Short title, Commencement, Definitions, (Sections 1-3) |
II | Definitions and general explanations (Sections 6-52A) | - | General explanations (Sections 4-13) |
III | Punishments and fines (Sections 53-75) | II | Fines (Sections 4-13), Commutation, Punishments |
IV | Exceptions and defenses (Sections 76-106) | III | Defenses (Sections 14-44), Similar exceptions |
V | Abetment details (Sections 107-120) | IV | Attempt (Sections 45-62), Conspiracy, Abetment |
V-A | Definition and punishment (Sections 120A-120B) | - | Integrated in Chapter IV (Sections 61-62) |
VI | State offenses (Sections 121-130) | VII | Updated provisions on state offenses (Sections 147-158) |
VII | Armed forces offenses (Sections 131-140) | VIII | Similar provisions for armed forces (Sections 159-168) |
VIII | Public tranquility (Sections 141-160) | XI | Similar provisions (Sections 189-197) |
IX | Public servant offenses (Sections 166-171) | XII | Public servant offenses (Sections 198-205) |
IX-A | Election offenses (Sections 171A-171I) | IX | Updated election offenses (Sections 169-177) |
X | Contempt offenses (Sections 172-190) | XIII | Similar provisions (Sections 206-226) |
XI | False evidence and public justice (Sections 191-229A) | XIV | False evidence and public justice (Sections 227-269) |
XII | Coin and stamp offenses (Sections 230-263A) | X | Coin, stamp offenses (Sections 178-188), currency |
XIII | Weights and measures offenses (Sections 264-267) | - | - |
XIV | Health and morals offenses (Sections 268-294A) | XV | Health, safety, decency, morals (Sections 270-297) |
XV | Religion-related offenses (Sections 295-298) | XVI | Similar provisions (Sections 298-302) |
XVI | Human body offenses (Sections 299-377) | VI | Offenses against the body (Sections 100-146) |
XVII | Property offenses (Sections 378-462) | XVII | Property offenses (Sections 303-334) |
XVIII | Document and property mark offenses (Sections 463-489E) | XVIII | Document and property mark offenses (Sections 335-350) |
XIX | Breach of contract offenses (Sections 490-492) | - | Integrated in Chapter XIX (Section 357) |
XX | Marriage offenses (Sections 493-498) | - | Integrated in Chapter V (Sections 81-85) |
XX-A | Cruelty offenses (Section 498A) | - | Integrated in Chapter V (Section 86) |
XXI | Defamation offenses (Sections 499-502) | - | Integrated in Chapter XIX (Section 356) |
XXII | Intimidation and insult offenses (Sections 503-510) | XIX | Intimidation, insult, annoyance, defamation, etc (Sections 351-355) |
XXIII | Attempt offenses (Section 511) | IV | Similar provisions (Section 62) |
- | - | XX | Repeal and Savings (Section 358) |
Features | Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC) | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS) |
Establishment | To define offenses and prescribe punishments | To modernize and reform the criminal justice system by replacing the Indian Penal Code 1860. |
Scope and Nature | Exhaustive in covering extensive criminal laws, with additional legislation for other offenses. | Designed to modernize the legal framework to address contemporary societal needs and issues related to technological advancements such as cybercrimes, organized crimes, and terrorism. |
Structure | Comprehensive code divided into sections applicable to individuals of Indian ancestry. | Consolidated and simplified provisions, streamlining rulings to enhance clarity and accessibility. |
Provisions and Jurisdictions | Comprises 511 sections addressing various types of crimes. | Comprises 358 sections eliminating outdated provisions like "adultery." |
Technology Adaptation | Limited reference to technological advancements | Incorporates provisions for cybercrimes and technology |
Provisions of Punishment | Traditional penalties focused on incarceration and fines. | Introduces "Community Service" as an alternative sentencing option, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration. |
Addressing Sensitive Issues | Includes terms like "sedition" with traditional legal definitions. | Replaces "sedition" with "safeguarding national security and sovereignty," balancing national interests and free speech. |
Appeal and Revision | Standard appeal provisions | Streamlined appeal processes for efficiency |
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