Q1: What is the Indian Penal Code (IPC)?
A1: The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is a comprehensive criminal code that defines and punishes criminal offenses in India. It was enacted in 1860 and is applicable throughout the country.
Q2: What are some common offenses covered by the IPC?
A2: The IPC covers a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to murder, theft, robbery, assault, kidnapping, defamation, fraud, sexual offenses, and offenses against the state.
Q3: How many sections are there in the IPC?
A3: The IPC consists of 511 sections, each addressing specific offenses or legal provisions.
Q4: What is the punishment for murder under the IPC?
A4: Murder is a grave offense under the IPC. Depending on the circumstances, it can be punishable by death, life imprisonment, or a term of imprisonment ranging from 10 years to a lifetime.
Q5: What is the difference between theft and robbery under the IPC?
A5: Theft involves taking someone’s property without their consent, whereas robbery involves theft along with the use of force, intimidation, or violence.
Q6: What is the punishment for rape under the IPC?
A6: Rape is a heinous crime, and the punishment for it varies depending on the severity of the offense. It can range from a minimum of seven years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment or even the death penalty in certain aggravated cases.
Q7: What is the punishment for defamation under the IPC?
A7: Defamation, which includes both slander (spoken defamation) and libel (written or published defamation), can result in imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q8: What are the offenses against the state under the IPC?
A8: Offenses against the state include sedition, waging war against the nation, promoting enmity between different groups, and related offenses. The punishments vary depending on the specific offense committed.
Q9: Can a person be arrested without a warrant under the IPC?
A9: Yes, in certain circumstances specified in the IPC, a police officer has the authority to arrest a person without a warrant. However, there are also provisions that require a warrant for arrest in most cases.
Q10: How can I find the complete list of IPC sections and their details?
A10: The complete Indian Penal Code can be accessed online on the official government websites or legal databases. It is recommended to refer to the latest version of the IPC for accurate information.
Q11: What is the punishment for theft under the IPC?
A11: The punishment for theft, depending on the value of the stolen property, can range from imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q12: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust under the IPC?
A12: Criminal breach of trust occurs when a person dishonestly misappropriates or converts someone else’s property entrusted to them. The punishment can include imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q13: What are the different types of assault recognized under the IPC?
A13: The IPC recognizes various forms of assault, including simple assault, grievous hurt, criminal force, and assault on public servants. The severity of punishment varies based on the nature of the assault.
Q14: What is the punishment for kidnapping under the IPC?
A14: Kidnapping can result in imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, depending on the circumstances. If the offense involves abduction with the intent to cause hurt or death, the punishment can be more severe.
Q15: What constitutes the offense of cheating under the IPC?
A15: Cheating occurs when a person deceives another to gain an unfair advantage, causing wrongful loss or damage. The punishment for cheating can include imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q16: What are the provisions in the IPC related to sexual offenses?
A16: The IPC addresses various sexual offenses such as rape, sexual assault, molestation, and harassment. The punishment for these offenses depends on their severity and ranges from imprisonment to life imprisonment or the death penalty in certain cases.
Q17: What is the punishment for dowry-related offenses under the IPC?
A17: Dowry-related offenses, such as dowry death or cruelty to a woman in relation to dowry, can result in imprisonment of up to seven years or more, depending on the circumstances.
Q18: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding cybercrime?
A18: The IPC contains provisions related to cybercrime, such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and defamation. The punishment for these offenses varies depending on the specific cybercrime committed.
Q19: What constitutes the offense of abetment under the IPC?
A19: Abetment involves intentionally aiding, instigating, or encouraging someone to commit an offense. The punishment for abetment is typically the same as the punishment for the offense being abetted.
Q20: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding the punishment for offenses against children?
A20: The IPC includes provisions for offenses against children, such as child trafficking, child abuse, and child pornography. The punishment for these offenses can range from imprisonment to life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the severity of the offense.
Q21: What is the punishment for rioting under the IPC?
A21: Rioting can result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q22: What constitutes the offense of criminal intimidation under the IPC?
A22: Criminal intimidation involves threatening someone with the intent to cause fear of injury or harm. The punishment for criminal intimidation can vary depending on the circumstances.
Q23: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to property?
A23: The IPC includes provisions for offenses such as trespass, mischief, criminal trespass, and criminal misappropriation of property. The punishments for these offenses vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q24: What is the punishment for defamation of a public servant under the IPC?
A24: Defamation of a public servant can result in enhanced punishment, including imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q25: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to counterfeit currency?
A25: The IPC addresses offenses such as counterfeiting currency notes, possessing counterfeit currency, and using counterfeit currency. The punishment for these offenses can be imprisonment of up to life.
Q26: What constitutes the offense of criminal conspiracy under the IPC?
A26: Criminal conspiracy involves an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a criminal act. The punishment for criminal conspiracy varies depending on the nature of the planned offense.
Q27: What is the punishment for voluntarily causing hurt under the IPC?
A27: The punishment for voluntarily causing hurt can range from imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both.
Q28: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to cruelty to animals?
A28: The IPC includes provisions for offenses such as killing or maiming animals, animal cruelty, and using animals for fighting. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q29: What constitutes the offense of criminal trespass under the IPC?
A29: Criminal trespass occurs when a person enters someone else’s property without permission. The punishment for criminal trespass can include imprisonment of up to three months, a fine, or both.
Q30: What is the punishment for dowry harassment under the IPC?
A30: Dowry harassment, also known as dowry demand, can result in imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q31: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to public nuisance?
A31: The IPC addresses offenses such as public nuisance, acts endangering public health or safety, and causing pollution. The punishment for these offenses can vary depending on the specific offense committed.
Q32: What constitutes the offense of house-trespass under the IPC?
A32: House-trespass occurs when a person enters another person’s dwelling without permission. The punishment for house-trespass can include imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q33: What is the punishment for the offense of attempt to commit a crime under the IPC?
A33: The punishment for an attempt to commit a crime is generally less severe than the punishment for the completed offense, but it can still result in imprisonment or a fine.
Q34: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to obscenity?
A34: The IPC addresses offenses such as publishing or transmitting obscene material, selling or distributing obscene objects, and committing acts of obscenity in public. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q35: What constitutes the offense of wrongful confinement under the IPC?
A35: Wrongful confinement involves unlawfully restraining someone’s movement. The punishment for wrongful confinement can include imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both.
Q36: What is the punishment for cheating by impersonation under the IPC?
A36: Cheating by impersonation can result in imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q37: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to public servants?
A37: The IPC includes provisions for offenses such as corruption by public servants, abuse of power, and bribery. The punishment for these offenses can be severe, including imprisonment for up to seven years or more.
Q38: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of contract under the IPC?
A38: Criminal breach of contract occurs when a person intentionally violates the terms of a legally binding contract. The punishment for criminal breach of contract can vary depending on the nature of the breach.
Q39: What is the punishment for causing death by negligence under the IPC?
A39: Causing death by negligence can result in imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q40: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to marriage?
A40: The IPC addresses offenses such as bigamy, cruelty to a married woman, and dowry-related offenses. The punishments for these offenses vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q41: What constitutes the offense of criminal defamation under the IPC?
A41: Criminal defamation involves making false statements about someone to harm their reputation. The punishment for criminal defamation can include imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q42: What is the punishment for causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means under the IPC?
A42: Causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q43: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to public health?
A43: The IPC addresses offenses such as spreading infectious diseases, adulteration of food or drugs, and sale of unsafe goods. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q44: What constitutes the offense of forgery under the IPC?
A44: Forgery involves making a false document or altering an existing document with the intent to deceive. The punishment for forgery can range from imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q45: What is the punishment for causing grievous hurt under the IPC?
A45: The punishment for causing grievous hurt can include imprisonment for up to seven years or more, a fine, or both.
Q46: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to public servants taking bribes?
A46: The IPC includes provisions for offenses such as bribery, accepting or giving illegal gratification, and corruption by public servants. The punishments for these offenses can be severe, including imprisonment for up to seven years or more.
Q47: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a public servant under the IPC?
A47: Criminal breach of trust by a public servant involves misappropriating or converting public property entrusted to them. The punishment for this offense can be imprisonment for up to seven years or more, a fine, or both.
Q48: What is the punishment for causing hurt to extort property under the IPC?
A48: Causing hurt to extort property can result in imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q49: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to human trafficking?
A49: The IPC addresses offenses such as trafficking in persons, forced labor, and exploitation of trafficked persons. The punishment for these offenses can be severe, including imprisonment for up to life or more.
Q50: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a banker under the IPC?
A50: Criminal breach of trust by a banker involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting funds entrusted to them in their capacity as a banker. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q51: What is the punishment for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc. under the IPC?
A51: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc., can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q52: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to extortion?
A52: The IPC addresses offenses such as extortion, criminal intimidation for extortion, and threats to cause injury for extortion. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q53: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods under the IPC?
A53: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting goods entrusted to them for transportation. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q54: What is the punishment for committing acts of public indecency under the IPC?
A54: Committing acts of public indecency can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q55: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to false evidence?
A55: The IPC addresses offenses such as giving or fabricating false evidence, false statements made under oath, and false information to public servants. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q56: What constitutes the offense of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of language, etc. under the IPC?
A56: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of language, etc., can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q57: What is the punishment for the offense of causing death by rash or negligent driving under the IPC?
A57: Causing death by rash or negligent driving can result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q58: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to kidnapping for ransom?
A58: The IPC addresses offenses such as kidnapping or abduction for ransom or wrongful confinement. The punishment for these offenses can be severe, including imprisonment for up to life or more.
Q59: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant, or agent under the IPC?
A59: Criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant, or agent involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their respective capacities. The punishment for this offense can vary depending on the specific category of the offender.
Q60: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt by acid attack under the IPC?
A60: Causing hurt by an acid attack can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q61: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to mischief causing damage to public property?
A61: The IPC addresses offenses such as mischief causing damage to public property, mischief by fire or explosive substances, and tampering with public transportation. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q62: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier or warehouse-keeper under the IPC?
A62: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier or warehouse-keeper involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting goods entrusted to them for storage or transportation. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q63: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt to extort confession under the IPC?
A63: Causing hurt to extort confession can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q64: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to obscenity in advertisements, songs, or representations?
A64: The IPC addresses offenses such as obscenity in advertisements, songs, or representations that are likely to corrupt public morals. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q65: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant under the IPC?
A65: Criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their capacity as a clerk or servant. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q66: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty under the IPC?
A66: Causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty can result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q67: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to dishonestly receiving stolen property?
A67: The IPC addresses offenses such as dishonestly receiving stolen property, possession of stolen goods, and disposing of stolen property. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q68: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers under the IPC?
A68: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting funds entrusted to them in their capacity as a carrier of passengers. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q69: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt to commit robbery under the IPC?
A69: Causing hurt to commit robbery can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q70: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to fake currency notes?
A70: The IPC addresses offenses such as making or using counterfeit currency notes, possession of counterfeit currency, and importing or exporting counterfeit currency. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q71: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods or by a carrier of animals under the IPC?
A71: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods or by a carrier of animals involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their respective capacities. The punishment for this offense can vary depending on the specific category of the offender.
Q72: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt by poisoning under the IPC?
A72: Causing hurt by poisoning can result in imprisonment for up to ten years, a fine, or both.
Q73: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to obscene acts and songs in public places?
A73: The IPC addresses offenses such as performing obscene acts or singing obscene songs in public places. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q74: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant to extort property under the IPC?
A74: Criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant to extort property involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their capacity as a clerk or servant, with the intention of extorting property. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine, or both.
Q75: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt to commit extortion under the IPC?
A75: Causing hurt to commit extortion can result in imprisonment for up to ten years, a fine, or both.
Q76: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material?
A76: The IPC addresses offenses such as publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material, including child pornography. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q77: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier or warehouse-keeper to extort property under the IPC?
A77: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier or warehouse-keeper to extort property involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their respective capacities, with the intention of extorting property. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine, or both.
Q78: What is the punishment for the offense of causing hurt to commit theft under the IPC?
A78: Causing hurt to commit theft can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q79: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to false complaints or evidence?
A79: The IPC addresses offenses such as giving false complaints or false evidence, fabricating false evidence, and making false statements under oath. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q80: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant, or agent, to extort property under the IPC?
A80: Criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant, or agent, to extort property involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their respective capacities, with the intention of extorting property. The punishment for this offense can vary depending on the specific category of the offender.
Q81: What is the punishment for the offense of criminal trespass under the IPC?
A81: Criminal trespass can result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine, or both.
Q82: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to counterfeit seals, coins, and government stamps?
A82: The IPC addresses offenses such as making or possessing counterfeit seals, coins, or government stamps. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q83: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers by air under the IPC?
A83: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers by air involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting funds entrusted to them in their capacity as an air carrier. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q84: What is the punishment for the offense of criminal intimidation under the IPC?
A84: Criminal intimidation can result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q85: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to false information causing public servant to use his lawful power?
A85: The IPC addresses offenses such as giving false information to a public servant, with the intention of causing the public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person. The punishment for this offense can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q86: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers by land under the IPC?
A86: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers by land involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting funds entrusted to them in their capacity as a land carrier. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q87: What is the punishment for the offense of theft under the IPC?
A87: The punishment for theft can vary depending on the value of the stolen property, ranging from imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Q88: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to kidnapping or abducting a woman to compel her marriage?
A88: The IPC addresses offenses such as kidnapping or abducting a woman to compel her marriage. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q89: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers by water under the IPC?
A89: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of passengers by water involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting funds entrusted to them in their capacity as a water carrier. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q90: What is the punishment for the offense of criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication under the IPC?
A90: Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication can result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Q91: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to counterfeiting government stamps?
A91: The IPC addresses offenses such as counterfeiting government stamps or possessing counterfeit government stamps. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q92: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods by air under the IPC?
A92: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods by air involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their capacity as an air carrier. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q93: What is the punishment for the offense of criminal intimidation to commit an offense punishable with death or imprisonment for life under the IPC?
A93: Criminal intimidation to commit an offense punishable with death or imprisonment for life can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q94: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to cheating by personation?
A94: The IPC addresses offenses such as cheating by personation, where an individual pretends to be someone else for the purpose of cheating. The punishment for this offense can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q95: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods by land under the IPC?
A95: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods by land involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their capacity as a land carrier. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q96: What is the punishment for the offense of criminal intimidation by threat to cause death or grievous hurt under the IPC?
A96: Criminal intimidation by threat to cause death or grievous hurt can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.
Q97: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to cheating by using a false weight or measure?
A97: The IPC addresses offenses such as cheating by using a false weight or measure, or altering a weight or measure. The punishment for these offenses can vary based on the specific offense committed.
Q98: What constitutes the offense of criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods by water under the IPC?
A98: Criminal breach of trust by a carrier of goods by water involves dishonestly misappropriating or converting property entrusted to them in their capacity as a water carrier. The punishment for this offense can include imprisonment of up to life, a fine, or both.
Q99: What is the punishment for the offense of criminal intimidation to commit a theft under the IPC?
A99: Criminal intimidation to commit a theft can result in imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.
Q100: What are the provisions in the IPC regarding offenses related to cheating by personation at an examination?
A100: The IPC addresses offenses such as cheating by personation at an examination, where an individual pretends to be someone else to appear on behalf of another person. The punishment for this offense can vary based on the specific offense committed.