Indian Criminal Law: IPC, BNS, BNSS, BSA and Legal Resources
Explore criminal offences, punishments, arrest procedures, evidence, constitutional protections, legal formats and selected case-law topics under Indian law.
Understanding the current criminal law framework
The BNS primarily defines offences and punishments; the BNSS governs criminal investigation, arrest, bail, trial and procedure; and the BSA addresses evidence and proof. The Constitution of India continues to protect fundamental rights, including safeguards relating to arrest and detention under Article 22. The applicable statute and procedural regime depend on the facts, date of offence, stage of proceedings and statutory savings provisions.
This resource library retains articles originally written with IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act section references. Those articles should be read in their historical context and checked against the current legislation and subsequent judicial decisions before being relied upon in a new case.
Browse articles and legal formats
Offences, punishment and substantive criminal law
- Death Penalty or Capital Punishment - Right or wrong - The solution
- Absconding to avoid summons, Preventing Service of Summons, Non Attendance, Non Production of documents, false information, Refusing oath, answer, sign statement, False statement on oath False information - Section 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182 of IPC
- Amount of Fine, Sentence of Imprisonment for non-payment of fine, when offence punishable with fine only - Section 63, 64, 65, 66,67,68,69,70 of Indian Penal Code 1860
- Law against Rape, punishment for rape - Section -375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D of Indian Penal Code 1860 - Rape is a heinous crime like murder
- Law to protect Married Life and to prevent Exploitation - Section 493, 494, 495 and 496 of Indian Penal Code
- Stolen Property - Section 410 of Indian Penal Code - Liability of Purchaser of stolen property - Do proper checking before Purchasing used items
- Making a false document and its Punishment -Section 464 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Section 498A of Indian Penal Code - use and mis use by women and relatives
Arrest, procedure and constitutional safeguards
- Attachment of property of person absconding, Claims and Objection, Release and Restoration, appeal - Section 83, 84, 85, 86 of Code of Criminal Procedure 1973
- Arrest without warrant, Arrest on refusal to give name and address, Arrest by Private Person, Arrest by Magistrate - Section 41, 42, 43, 44 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Arrest How made, Search, Person arrested to be informed of ground of arrest and right to get bail - Section 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 of Code of Criminal Procedure 1973
- Responsibility of public to assist and give information to Magistrates and Police - Section 37, 38, 39 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) 1973
- Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases- Article 22 of Indian Constitution
Evidence and admissibility
Cheque dishonour and Negotiable Instruments Act
- Discharge of Parties of a Negotiable Instrument and Cheque - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
- Dishonour of Cheque - Offences by Companies - Section 141 of Negotiable Instruments Act 1881
- Cheque Returned without payment?, Cases in which banker is Justified in Refusing Payment
- Stop payment of Cheque by drawer and applicability of Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act 1881
- Time limit and procedure to file case under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in case of return of a cheque
- Format of Legal Notice to be served under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act against return of cheque, before filing Criminal Complaint
- Format of Criminal Complaint to be filed under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act against against return of cheque and related information
- Format Evidence by way of Affidavit for and on behalf of the Complainant in case of Criminal Complaint Under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act against against return of cheque.
- Form No. 32 and Other information to be filed by the Complainant for Complaint against Company section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
- Format of information to be annexed with Criminal Complaint under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act against return of cheque, w.e.f 1st July 2013.
- Application format for adjournment of hearing or exemption from personal appearance the by Complainant in case of Criminal Complaint
Other archived legal resources
Practical guidance for readers
When researching a criminal-law issue, identify the relevant offence date, verify the applicable statutory text and amendments, and review binding judgments from the Supreme Court of India and the relevant High Court. For cheque dishonour, Sections 138 to 147 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 remain a separate statutory framework, subject to applicable amendments and case law.
For authoritative legislation and updates, consult India Code and the Gazette of India. This page is intended for general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on a specific matter.