What is Section 1 IPC? Short title, extent, commencement, and application of the Code

Published on: Lawiz Team

Detailed explanation of Section 1 IPC: Short title, extent, commencement, and application of the Code.

Official Legal Text

This Act shall be called the Indian Penal Code, and shall extend to the whole of India.

What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words

Section 1 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) specifies the short title of the Code, its extent of application, the date of its commencement, and its applicability across India.

Purpose

To officially introduce the Indian Penal Code, define its geographical scope, and establish it as the primary criminal code in India.

Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment Details

Bailable: Not Applicable, Punishment: Not Applicable (This section is a defining section and does not itself prescribe any punishments).

Key Elements

1. The short title is 'Indian Penal Code, 1860'. 2. It applies to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir (now applicable after abrogation of Article 370). 3. It commenced on January 1, 1862.

Legal Scope

The IPC is the primary criminal code of India and applies to all Indian citizens, including offenses committed by them beyond Indian territory, as per specific provisions.

Judicial Interpretation

Courts have consistently upheld that the IPC applies uniformly across India, except where specific state laws may differ.

Illustration

If a person commits a crime in any state of India, they will be prosecuted under the relevant section of the IPC.

Historical Context

The IPC was drafted in 1860 by the First Law Commission under the chairmanship of Lord Macaulay and came into force in 1862.

FAQs

What is the short title of this Act?

The short title of this Act is the Indian Penal Code.

To which areas does the Indian Penal Code extend?

It extends to the whole of India.

When did the Indian Penal Code come into force?

The IPC came into force on January 1, 1862.

Does the IPC apply to Jammu & Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370?

Yes, IPC applies to Jammu & Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370.

Who drafted the Indian Penal Code?

The Indian Penal Code was drafted by the first law commission chaired by Lord Macaulay.

Does the IPC cover crimes committed on ships and aircrafts?

Yes, crimes committed on Indian registered ships and aircrafts are also covered.

Why is IPC important?

IPC is the foundation of criminal law in India, defining crimes and prescribing punishments.