The INDIAN PENAL CODE — India law | Esheria

The INDIAN PENAL CODE

This Code applies to offences and liability within India, and also to certain extra-territorial offences covered by the text. It also defines key terms like person, public, Government, India, Judge, Court of Justice, and public servant.

Jurisdiction
India
Instrument
Code
Version
Undated source snapshot
Language
en
Official source
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attempts cheating counterfeiting court procedure criminal breach of trust criminal intimidation criminal liability criminal trespass currency notes defamation defences elections evidence forgery fraud general criminal liability marriage offences misappropriation mischief offences penalties property marks property offences public health and safety +7 more

Statute overview

About this statute

This Code applies to offences and liability within India, and also to certain extra-territorial offences covered by the text. It also defines key terms like person, public, Government, India, Judge, Court of Justice, and public servant. This part defines several criminal-law terms, sets punishments and fine rules, gives the Government power to commute certain sentences, and describes the right of private defence. A person may use private defence only within necessary limits, and several sections define when that right applies to body or property. The text also defines abetment, unlawful assembly, rioting, and related punishments. This segment creates offences for unlawful assemblies, riots, election misconduct, obstruction of public servants, and false information or evidence, with fines and imprisonment for several violations. This provision criminalizes false evidence, false certificates, hiding offenders, obstructing arrests, disclosing protected victim identity, bail default, and several coin-counterfeiting acts.

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