PPT: Introduction to IPC

 Page 1


Introduction to 
IPC
Page 2


Introduction to 
IPC
I n t r o d u c t i o n
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is India's primary criminal 
law, enacted in 1860 during British rule.
Created by the First Law Commission led by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay, it defines crimes and prescribes 
punishments across 23 chapters and 511 sections. 
The IPC applies throughout India, covering offences 
from theft to murder, serving as the backbone of 
criminal justice by maintaining law and order and 
protecting society from wrongdoers.
Page 3


Introduction to 
IPC
I n t r o d u c t i o n
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is India's primary criminal 
law, enacted in 1860 during British rule.
Created by the First Law Commission led by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay, it defines crimes and prescribes 
punishments across 23 chapters and 511 sections. 
The IPC applies throughout India, covering offences 
from theft to murder, serving as the backbone of 
criminal justice by maintaining law and order and 
protecting society from wrongdoers.
History of the Indian Penal Code
1
18 3 7
First draft submitted to 
Governor-General in 
council by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay's 
First Law Commission
2
18 5 0
Drafting completed after 
incorporating elements 
from English law, 
Napoleonic Code, and 
Louisiana Civil Code
3
18 5 6
Presented to Legislative 
Council but 
implementation delayed 
due to Indian Revolt of 
1857
4
18 6 0
IPC came into effect on January 1st after revisions by Barnes Peacock, first Chief Justice of 
Calcutta High Court
Page 4


Introduction to 
IPC
I n t r o d u c t i o n
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is India's primary criminal 
law, enacted in 1860 during British rule.
Created by the First Law Commission led by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay, it defines crimes and prescribes 
punishments across 23 chapters and 511 sections. 
The IPC applies throughout India, covering offences 
from theft to murder, serving as the backbone of 
criminal justice by maintaining law and order and 
protecting society from wrongdoers.
History of the Indian Penal Code
1
18 3 7
First draft submitted to 
Governor-General in 
council by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay's 
First Law Commission
2
18 5 0
Drafting completed after 
incorporating elements 
from English law, 
Napoleonic Code, and 
Louisiana Civil Code
3
18 5 6
Presented to Legislative 
Council but 
implementation delayed 
due to Indian Revolt of 
1857
4
18 6 0
IPC came into effect on January 1st after revisions by Barnes Peacock, first Chief Justice of 
Calcutta High Court
Pre-British Penal Law in India
Before British Rule
Most penal law was based on 
Muhammedan law. The East India 
Company initially did not interfere 
with existing criminal law systems.
Warren Hastings Era (1772)
Company began modifying 
Muhammedan law, but significant 
changes only came with the IPC in 
1862. Until then, Muhammedan 
law remained the foundation 
except in presidency towns.
Page 5


Introduction to 
IPC
I n t r o d u c t i o n
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is India's primary criminal 
law, enacted in 1860 during British rule.
Created by the First Law Commission led by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay, it defines crimes and prescribes 
punishments across 23 chapters and 511 sections. 
The IPC applies throughout India, covering offences 
from theft to murder, serving as the backbone of 
criminal justice by maintaining law and order and 
protecting society from wrongdoers.
History of the Indian Penal Code
1
18 3 7
First draft submitted to 
Governor-General in 
council by Thomas 
Babington Macaulay's 
First Law Commission
2
18 5 0
Drafting completed after 
incorporating elements 
from English law, 
Napoleonic Code, and 
Louisiana Civil Code
3
18 5 6
Presented to Legislative 
Council but 
implementation delayed 
due to Indian Revolt of 
1857
4
18 6 0
IPC came into effect on January 1st after revisions by Barnes Peacock, first Chief Justice of 
Calcutta High Court
Pre-British Penal Law in India
Before British Rule
Most penal law was based on 
Muhammedan law. The East India 
Company initially did not interfere 
with existing criminal law systems.
Warren Hastings Era (1772)
Company began modifying 
Muhammedan law, but significant 
changes only came with the IPC in 
1862. Until then, Muhammedan 
law remained the foundation 
except in presidency towns.
Structure of the Indian Penal Code
23
Chapters
Organised into 
distinct chapters 
covering different 
categories of 
offences
511
Sections
Total sections 
defining specific 
crimes and their 
punishments
1860
Year Enacted
Came into effect on 
January 1st, 
replacing existing 
penal systems