Indian criminal law | Historical statute and current legal position
Indian Penal Code, 1860: Sections, Definitions, Offences and Punishments
The Indian Penal Code (IPC), Act 45 of 1860, was India's principal general penal law for over 160 years. This reference explains its historical provisions, the transition to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and provides a chapter-wise index of IPC sections.
Important legal update: The IPC was repealed with effect from 1 July 2024 by section 358 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The BNS is the principal general penal statute for offences committed on or after its commencement, subject to applicable exceptions and other laws. IPC provisions remain relevant to earlier conduct under the repeal-and-savings rules.
Current status of the IPC and BNS
The Indian Penal Code was enacted on 6 October 1860 and came into force on 1 January 1862. Section 358(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (official India Code text) repealed it. Under the Central Government commencement notification, the BNS commenced on 1 July 2024, except section 106(2), which was excluded from that notification.
Section 358(2) - Saving of earlier liabilities: Repeal does not extinguish liabilities, penalties, investigations or proceedings relating to offences committed under the IPC before repeal. Section 358(3) addresses actions taken under the former Code, and section 358(4) preserves the application of section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897. The date of the alleged offence and the applicable statutory and transitional rules are therefore essential.
Important IPC definitions and legal principles
IPC section 21 - Public servant: specified categories of persons performing public functions. Section 22 - Movable property: corporeal property other than land and things attached to the earth. Section 23 - Wrongful gain and wrongful loss: unlawful gain or deprivation of property to which a person is or is not legally entitled. Section 24 - Dishonestly: acting with intent to cause wrongful gain or wrongful loss. Section 25 - Fraudulently: acting with intent to defraud. Section 34 - Common intention: joint criminal liability where a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of their common intention. Section 52 - Good faith: requires due care and attention. These are historical IPC formulations; consult the corresponding BNS text for current offences.
Punishments and principal offence categories
IPC section 53 listed death, imprisonment for life, rigorous or simple imprisonment, forfeiture of property and fine as punishments under the former Code. Under BNS section 4, the categories of punishment include community service in addition to other statutory punishments. The particular offence, its elements, exceptions, sentencing limits and applicable law determine the punishment; the older IPC punishment must not automatically be used for post-commencement conduct.
Major IPC categories included general exceptions and private defence (sections 76-106), abetment (107-120), conspiracy (120A-120B), unlawful assembly and rioting (141-160), false evidence (191 onwards), offences affecting the human body (299 onwards), property offences (378 onwards), forgery (463 onwards), marriage-related offences, defamation (499-502) and attempts (511). Some offences were amended or repealed even before 2024, so individual historical entries must be read with their legislative history.
Complete chapter-wise IPC section index
The links below preserve the original website's detailed IPC section pages for historical research. They do not by themselves establish the law applicable to a new offence.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER II GENERAL EXPLANATIONS
- 6 IPC Definitions in the Code to be understood subject to exceptions
- 7 IPC Sense of expression once explained
- 8 IPC Gender
- 9 IPC Number
- 10 IPC Man. Woman
- 11 IPC Person
- 12 IPC Public
- 13 IPC [Definition of Queen]
- 14 IPC Servant of Government
- 17 IPC Government
- 18 IPC India
- 19 IPC Judge
- 20 IPC Court of Justice
- 21 IPC Court of Justice
- 22 IPC Movable property
- 23 IPC Wrongful gain
- 24 IPC Dishonestly
- 25 IPC Fraudulently
- 26 IPC Reason to believe
- 27 IPC Property in possession of wife, clerk or servant
- 28 IPC Counterfeit
- 29 IPC Document
- 29A IPC Electronic record
- 30 IPC Valuable security
- 31 IPC A will
- 32 IPC Words referring to acts include illegal omissions
- 33 IPC Act Omission
- 34 IPC Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention
- 35 IPC When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention
- 36 IPC Effect caused partly by act and partly by omission
- 37 IPC Co-operation by doing one of several acts constituting an offence
- 38 IPC Persons concerned in criminal act may be guilty of different offences
- 39 IPC Voluntarily
- 40 IPC Offence
- 41 IPC Special law
- 42 IPC Local law
- 43 IPC Illegal. Legally bound to do.
- 44 IPC Injury
- 45 IPC Life
- 46 IPC Death
- 47 IPC Animal
- 48 IPC Vessel
- 49 IPC Year Month
- 50 IPC Section
- 51 IPC Oath
- 52 IPC Good faith
- 52A IPC Harbour
CHAPTER III OF PUNISHMENTS
- 53 IPC Punishments
- 53A IPC Construction of reference to transportation
- 54 IPC Commutation of sentence of death
- 55 IPC Commutation of sentence of imprisonment for life
- 55A IPC Definition of appropriate Government
- 57 IPC Fractions of terms of punishment
- 60 IPC Sentence may be in certain cases of imprisonment wholly or partly rigorous or simple
- 63 IPC Amount of fine
- 64 IPC Sentence of imprisonment for non-payment of fine
- 65 IPC Limit to imprisonment for non-payment of fine, when imprisonment and fine awardable
- 66 IPC Description of imprisonment for non-payment of fine
- 67 IPC Imprisonment for non-payment of fine, when offence punishable with fine only
- 68 IPC Imprisonment to terminate on payment of fine
- 69 IPC Termination of imprisonment on payment of proportional part of fine
- 70 IPC Fine leviable within six years, of during imprisonment. Death not to discharge property from liability
- 71 IPC Limit of punishment of offence made up of several offences
- 72 IPC Punishment of person guilty of one of several offences, the judgment stating that it is doubtful of which
- 73 IPC Solitary confinement
- 74 IPC Limit of solitary confinement
- 75 IPC Enhanced punishment for certain offences under Chapter XII or Chapter XVII after previous conviction
CHAPTER IV GENERAL EXCEPTIONS
- 76 IPC Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law
- 77 IPC Act of Judge when acting judicially
- 78 IPC Act done pursuant to the judgment or order of Court
- 79 IPC Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself, justified, by law
- 80 IPC Accident in doing a lawful act
- 81 IPC Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm
- 82 IPC Act of a child under seven years of age
- 83 IPC Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding
- 84 IPC Act of a person of unsound mind
- 85 IPC Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused against his will
- 86 IPC Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated
- 87 IPC Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent
- 88 IPC Act not intended to cause death, done by consent in good faith for person's benefit
- 89 IPC Act done in good faith for benefit of child or insane person, by or by consent of guardian
- 90 IPC Consent known to be given under fear or misconception
- 91 IPC Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm cause
- 92 IPC Act done in good faith for benefit of a person without consent
- 93 IPC Communication made in good faith
- 94 IPC Act to which a person is compelled by threats
- 95 IPC Act causing slight harm
- 96 IPC Things done in private defence
- 97 IPC Right of private defence of the body and of property
- 98 IPC Right of private defence against the act of a person of unsound mind, etc
- 99 IPC Acts against which there is no right of private defence
- 100 IPC When the right of private defence of the body extends to causing death
- 101 IPC When such right extends to causing any harm other than death
- 102 IPC Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of the body
- 103 IPC When the right of private defence of property extends to causing death
- 104 IPC When such right extends to causing any harm other than death
- 105 IPC Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of property
- 106 IPC Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person
CHAPTER V OF ABETMENT
- 107 IPC Abetment of a thing
- 108 IPC Abettor
- 108A IPC Abetment in India of offences outside India
- 109 IPC Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment
- 110 IPC Punishment of abetment if person abetted does act with different intention from that of abettor
- 111 IPC Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done
- 112 IPC Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done
- 113 IPC Liability of abettor for an effect caused by the act abetted different from that intended by the abettor
- 114 IPC Abettor present when offence is committed
- 115 IPC Abetment of offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life.—if offence not committed
- 116 IPC Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment—if offence be not committed
- 117 IPC Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons
- 118 IPC Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life
- 119 IPC Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent
- 120 IPC Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment
CHAPTER VA CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY
CHAPTER VI OF OFFENCES AGAINSTTHE STATE
- 121 IPC Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India
- 121A IPC Conspiracy to commit offences punishable by section 121
- 122 IPC Collecting arms, etc", with intention of waging war against the Government of India
- 123 IPC Concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war
- 124 IPC Assaulting President, Governor, etc", with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power
- 124A IPC Sedition
- 125 IPC Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India
- 126 IPC Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India
- 127 IPC Receiving property taken by war or depredation mentioned in sections 125 and 126
- 128 IPC Public servant voluntarily allowing prisoner of state or war to escape
- 129 IPC Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape
- 130 IPC Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner
CHAPTER VII OF OFFENCES RELATING TO THE ARMY NAVY AND AIR FORCE
- 131 IPC Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty
- 132 IPC Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof
- 133 IPC Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office
- 134 IPC Abetment of such assault, if the assault committed
- 135 IPC Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman
- 136 IPC Harbouring deserter
- 137 IPC Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master
- 138 IPC Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman
- 139 IPC Persons subject to certain Acts
- 140 IPC Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman
CHAPTER VIII OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE PUBLIC TRANQUILLITY
- 141 IPC Unlawful assembly
- 142 IPC Being member of unlawful assembly
- 143 IPC Punishment
- 144 IPC Joining unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon
- 145 IPC Joining or continuing in unlawful assembly, knowing it has been commanded to disperse
- 146 IPC Rioting
- 147 IPC Punishment for rioting
- 148 IPC Rioting, armed with deadly weapon
- 149 IPC Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object
- 150 IPC Hiring, or conniving at hiring, of persons to join unlawful assembly
- 151 IPC Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse
- 152 IPC Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc
- 153 IPC Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot-if rioting be committed; if not committed
- 153A IPC Promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc", and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony
- 153AA IPC Punishment for knowingly carrying arms in any procession or organising, or holding or taking part in any mass drill or mass training with arms
- 153B IPC Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration
- 154 IPC Owner or occupier of land on which an unlawful assembly is held
- 155 IPC Liability of person for whose benefit riot is committed
- 156 IPC Liability of agent of owner or occupier for whose benefit riot is committed
- 157 IPC Harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly
- 158 IPC Being hired to take part in an unlawful assembly or riot
- 159 IPC Affray
- 160 IPC Punishment for committing affray
CHAPTER IX OF OFFENCES BY OR RELATING TO PUBLIC SERVANTS
- 166 IPC Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person
- 166A IPC Public servant disobeying direction under law
- 166B IPC Punishment for non-treatment of victim
- 167 IPC Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury
- 168 IPC Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade
- 169 IPC Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property
- 170 IPC Personating a public servant
- 171 IPC Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent
CHAPTER IXA OF OFFENCES RELATING TO ELECTIONS
- 171A IPC "Candidate", "Electoral right" defined
- 171B IPC Bribery
- 171C IPC Undue influence at elections
- 171D IPC Personation at elections
- 171E IPC Punishment for bribery
- 171F IPC Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election
- 171G IPC False statement in connection with an election
- 171H IPC Illegal payments in connection with an election
- 171-I IPC Failure to keep election accounts
CHAPTER X OF CONTEMPTS OF THE LAWFUL AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC SERVANTS
- 172 IPC Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding
- 173 IPC Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof
- 174 IPC Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant
- 174A IPC Non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 82 of Act 2 of 1974
- 175 IPC Omission to produce document to public servant by person legally bound to produce it
- 176 IPC Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it
- 177 IPC Furnishing false information
- 178 IPC Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it
- 179 IPC Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
- 180 IPC Refusing to sign statement
- 181 IPC False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
- 182 IPC False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person"
- 183 IPC Resistance to the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant
- 184 IPC Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant
- 185 IPC Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant
- 186 IPC Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
- 187 IPC Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance
- 188 IPC Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant
- 189 IPC Threat of injury to public servant
- 190 IPC Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant
CHAPTER XI OF FALSE EVIDENCE AND OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC JUSTICE
- 191 IPC Giving false evidence
- 192 IPC Fabricating false evidence
- 193 IPC Punishment for false evidence
- 194 IPC Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence
- 195 IPC Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment
- 195A IPC Threatening any person to give false evidence
- 196 IPC Using evidence known to be false
- 197 IPC Issuing or signing false certificate
- 198 IPC Using as true a certificate known to be false
- 199 IPC False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence
- 200 IPC Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false
- 201 IPC Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender
- 202 IPC Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform
- 203 IPC Giving false information respecting an offence committed
- 204 IPC Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
- 205 IPC False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution
- 206 IPC Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution
- 207 IPC Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution
- 208 IPC Fraudulently suffering decree for sum not due
- 209 IPC Dishonesty making false claim in Court
- 210 IPC Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due
- 211 IPC False charge of offence made with intent to injure
- 212 IPC Harbouring offender
- 213 IPC Taking gift, etc", to screen an offender from punishment
- 214 offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender
- 215 IPC Taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc
- 216 IPC Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered
- 216A IPC Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits
- 217 IPC Public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture
- 218 IPC Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture
- 219 IPC Public servant in judicial proceeding corruptly making report, etc", contrary to law
- 220 IPC Commitment for trial or confinement by person having authority who knows that he is acting contrary to law
- 221 IPC Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend
- 222 IPC Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend person under sentence or lawfully committed
- 223 IPC Escape from confinement or custody negligently suffered by public servant
- 224 IPC Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension
- 225 IPC Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person
- 225A IPC Omission to apprehend, or sufferance of escape, on part of public servant, in cases not otherwise, provided for
- 225B IPC Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for
- 227 IPC Violation of condition of remission of punishment
- 228 IPC Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding
- 228A IPC Disclosure of identity of the victim of certain offences, etc
- 229 IPC Personation of a juror or assessor
- 229A IPC Failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in court
CHAPTER XII OF OFFENCES RELATING TO COIN AND GOVERNMENT STAMPS
- 230 IPC "Coin" defined
- 231 IPC Counterfeiting coin
- 232 IPC Counterfeiting Indian coin
- 233 IPC Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting coin
- 234 IPC Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting Indian coin
- 235 IPC Possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin
- 236 IPC Abetting in India the counterfeiting out of India of coin
- 237 IPC Import or export of counterfeit coin
- 238 IPC Import or export of counterfeits of the Indian coin
- 239 IPC Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit
- 240 IPC Delivery of Indian coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit
- 241 IPC Delivery of coin as genuine, which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be counterfeit
- 242 IPC Possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof
- 243 IPC Possession of Indian coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof
- 244 IPC Person employed in mint causing coin to be of different weight or composition from that fixed by law
- 245 IPC Unlawfully taking coining instrument from mint
- 246 IPC Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of coin
- 247 IPC Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of Indian coin
- 248 IPC Altering appearance of coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description
- 249 IPC Altering appearance of Indian coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description
- 250 IPC Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is altered
- 251 IPC Delivery of Indian coin, possessed with knowledge that it is altered
- 252 IPC Possession of coin by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof
- 253 IPC Possession of Indian coin by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof
- 254 IPC Delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered
- 255 IPC Counterfeiting Government stamp
- 256 IPC Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp
- 257 IPC Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting Government stamp
- 258 IPC Sale of counterfeit Government stamp
- 259 IPC Having possession of counterfeit Government stamp
- 260 IPC Using as genuine a Government stamp known to be counterfeit
- 261 IPC Effacing writing from substance bearing Government stamp" or removing from document a stamp used for it" with intent to cause loss to Government
- 262 IPC Using Government stamp known to have been before used
- 263 IPC Erasure of mark denoting that stamp has been used
- 263A IPC Prohibition of fictitious stamps
CHAPTER XIII OF OFFENCES RELATING TO WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
- 264 IPC Fraudulent use of false instrument for weighing
- 265 IPC Fraudulent use of false weight or measure
- 266 IPC Being in possession of false weight or measure
- 267 IPC Making or selling false weight or measure
- 268 IPC Public nuisance
- 269 IPC Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- 270 IPC Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- 271 IPC Disobedience to quarantine rule
- 272 IPC Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale
- 273 IPC Sale of noxious food or drink
- 274 IPC Adulteration of drugs
- 275 IPC Sale of adulterated drugs
- 276 IPC Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
- 277 IPC Fouling water of public spring or reservoir
- 278 IPC Making atmosphere noxious to health
- 279 IPC Rash driving or riding on a public way
- 280 IPC Rash navigation of vessel
- 281 IPC Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy
- 282 IPC Conveying person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessel
- 283 IPC Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation
- 284 IPC Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance
- 285 IPC Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter
- 286 IPC Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance
- 287 IPC Negligent conduct with respect to machinery
- 288 IPC Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings
- 289 IPC Negligent conduct with respect to animal
- 290 IPC Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
- 291 IPC Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue
- 292 IPC Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc
- 293 IPC Sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person
- 294 IPC Obscene acts and songs
- 294A IPC Keeping lottery office
CHAPTER XV OF OFFENCES RELATING TO RELIGION
- 295 IPC Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class
- 295A IPC Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs
- 296 IPC Disturbing religious assembly
- 297 IPC Trespassing on burial places, etc
- 298 IPC Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings
CHAPTER XVI OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE HUMAN BODY OF OFFENCES AFFECTING LIFE
- 299 IPC Culpable homicide
- 300 IPC Murder
- 301 IPC Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than person whose death was intended
- 302 IPC Punishment for murder
- 303 IPC Punishment for murder by life-convict
- 304 IPC Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- 304A IPC Causing death by negligence
- 304B IPC Dowry death
- 305 IPC Abetment of suicide of child or insane person
- 306 IPC Abetment of suicide
- 307 IPC Attempt to murder
- 308 IPC Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- 309 IPC Attempt to commit suicide
- 310 IPC Thug
- 311 IPC Punishment
- 312 IPC Causing miscarraige
- 313 IPC Causing miscarriage without woman's consent
- 314 IPC Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage
- 315 IPC Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth
- 316 IPC Causing death of quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide
- 317 IPC Exposure and abandonment of child under twelve years, by parent or person having care of it
- 318 IPC Concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body
- 319 IPC Hurt
- 320 IPC Grievous hurt
- 321 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt
- 322 IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
- 323 IPC Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt
- 324 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means
- 325 IPC Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt
- 326 IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means
- 326A IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc
- 326B IPC Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid
- 327 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal to an act
- 328 IPC Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit and offence
- 329 IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act
- 330 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property
- 331 IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property
- 332 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty
- 333 IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty
- 334 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation
- 335 IPC Voluntarily causing grievous hurt on provocation
- 336 IPC Act endangering life or personal safety of others
- 337 IPC Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others
- 338 IPC Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others
- 339 IPC Wrongful restraint
- 340 IPC Wrongful confinement
- 341 IPC Punishment for wrongful restraint
- 342 IPC Punishment for wrongful confinement
- 343 IPC Wrongful confinement for three or more days
- 344 IPC Wrongful confinement for ten or more days
- 345 IPC Wrongful confinement of person for whose liberation writ has been issued
- 346 IPC Wrongful confinement in secret
- 347 IPC Wrongful confinement to extort property, or constrain to illegal act
- 348 IPC Wrongful confinement to extort confession, or compel restoration of property
- 349 IPC Force
- 350 IPC Criminal force
- 351 IPC Assault
- 352 IPC Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation
- 353 IPC Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty
- 354 IPC Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- 354A IPC Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment
- 354B IPC Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe
- 354C IPC Voyeurism
- 354D IPC Stalking
- 355 IPC Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation
- 356 IPC Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person
- 357 IPC Assault or criminal force in attempt wrongfully to confine a person
- 358 IPC Assault or criminal force on grave provocation
- 359 IPC Kidnapping
- 360 IPC Kidnapping from India
- 361 IPC Kidnapping from lawful guardianship
- 362 IPC Abduction
- 363 IPC Punishment for kidnapping
- 363A IPC Kidnapping or maiming a minor for purposes of begging
- 364 IPC Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder
- 364A IPC Kidnapping for ransom, etc
- 365 IPC Kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person
- 366 IPC Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc
- 366A IPC Procuration of minor girl
- 366B IPC Importation of girl from foreign country
- 367 IPC Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc
- 368 IPC Wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement, kidnapped or abducted person
- 369 IPC Kidnapping or abducting child under ten years with intent to steal from its person
- 370 IPC Trafficking of person
- 370A IPC Exploitation of a trafficked person
- 371 IPC Habitual dealing in slaves
- 372 IPC Selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc
- 373 IPC Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc
- 374 IPC Unlawful compulsory labour
- 375 IPC Rape
- 376 IPC Punishment for rape
- 376A IPC Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim
- 376AB IPC Punishment for rape on woman under twelve years of age
- 376B IPC Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation
- 376C IPC Sexual intercourse by a person in authority
- 376D IPC Gang rape
- 376DA IPC Punishment for gang rape on woman under sixteen years of age
- 376DB IPC Punishment for gang rape on woman under twelve years of age
- 376E IPC Punishment for repeat offenders
- 377 IPC Unnatural offences
CHAPTER XVII OF OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY OF THEFT
- 378 IPC Theft
- 379 IPC Punishment for theft
- 380 IPC Theft in dwelling house, etc
- 381 IPC Theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master
- 382 IPC Theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft
- 383 IPC Extortion
- 384 IPC Punishment for extortion
- 385 IPC Putting person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion
- 386 IPC Extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt
- 387 IPC Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion
- 388 IPC Extortion by threat of accusation of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, etc.
- 389 IPC Extortion by threat of accusation of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, etc
- 390 IPC Robbery
- 391 IPC Dacoity
- 392 IPC Punishment for robbery
- 393 IPC Attempt to commit robbery
- 394 IPC Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery
- 395 IPC Punishment for dacoity
- 396 IPC Dacoity with murder
- 397 IPC Robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt
- 398 IPC Attempt to commit robbery or dacoity when armed with deadly weapon
- 399 IPC Making preparation to commit dacoity
- 400 IPC Punishment for belonging to gang of dacoits
- 401 IPC Punishment for belonging to gang of thieves
- 402 IPC Assembling for purpose of committing dacoity
- 403 IPC Dishonest misappropriation of property
- 404 IPC Dishonest misappropriation of property possessed by deceased person at the time of his death
- 405 IPC Criminal breach of trust
- 406 IPC Punishment for criminal breach of trust
- 407 IPC Criminal breach of trust by carrier, etc
- 408 IPC Criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant
- 409 IPC Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent
- 410 IPC Stolen property
- 411 IPC Dishonestly receiving stolen property
- 412 IPC Dishonestly receiving property stolen in the commission of a dacoity
- 413 IPC Habitually dealing in stolen property
- 414 IPC Assisting in concealment of stolen property
- 415 IPC Cheating
- 416 IPC Cheating by personation
- 417 IPC Punishment for cheating
- 418 IPC Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect
- 419 IPC Punishment for cheating by personation
- 420 IPC Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
- 421 IPC Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent distribution among creditors
- 422 IPC Dishonestly or fraudulently preventing debt being available for creditors
- 423 IPC Dishonest or fraudulent execution of deed of transfer containing false statement of consideration
- 424 IPC Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property
- 425 IPC Mischief
- 426 IPC Punishment for mischief
- 427 IPC Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees
- 428 IPC Mischief by killing or maiming animal of the value of ten rupees
- 429 IPC Mischief by killing or maiming cattle, etc., of any value or any animal of the value of fifty rupees
- 430 IPC Mischief by injury to works of irrigation or by wrongfully diverting water
- 431 IPC Mischief by injury to public road, bridge, river or channel
- 432 IPC Mischief by causing inundation or obstruction to public drainage attended with damage
- 433 IPC Mischief by destroying, moving or rendering less useful a light-house or sea-mark
- 434 IPC Mischief by destroying or moving, etc., a land-mark fixed by public authority
- 435 IPC Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees
- 436 IPC Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc
- 437 IPC Mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden
- 438 IPC Punishment for the mischief described in section 437 committed by fire or explosive substance
- 439 IPC Punishment for intentionally running vessel aground or ashore with intent to commit theft, etc
- 440 IPC Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt
- 441 IPC Criminal trespass
- 442 IPC House-trespass
- 443 IPC Lurking house-trespass
- 444 IPC Lurking house-trespass by night
- 445 IPC House-breaking
- 446 IPC House-breaking by night
- 447 IPC Punishment for criminal trespass
- 448 IPC Punishment for house-trespass
- 449 IPC House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with death
- 450 IPC House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life
- 451 IPC House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment
- 452 IPC House-trespass alter preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint
- 453 IPC Punishment for lurking house-trespass or house-breaking
- 454 IPC Lurking house-trespass or house-breaking in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment
- 455 IPC Lurking house-trespass or house-breaking after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint
- 456 IPC Punishment for lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night
- 457 IPC Lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment
- 458 IPC Lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint
- 459 IPC Grievous hurt caused whilst committing lurking house-trespass or house-breaking
- 460 IPC All persons jointly concerned in lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night punishable where death or grievous hurt caused by one of them
- 461 IPC Dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property
- 462 IPC Punishment for same offence when committed by person entrusted with custody
CHAPTER XVIII OF OFFENCES RELATING TO DOCUMENTS AND TO PROPERTY MARKS
- 463 IPC Forgery
- 464 IPC Making a false document
- 465 IPC Punishment for forgery
- 466 IPC Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc
- 467 IPC Forgery of valuable security, will, etc
- 468 IPC Forgery for purpose of cheating
- 469 IPC Forgery for purpose of harming reputation
- 470 IPC Forged document
- 471 IPC Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record
- 472 IPC Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable Under section 467
- 473 IPC Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise
- 474 IPC Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuine
- 475 IPC Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material
- 476 IPC Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material
- 477 IPC Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security
- 477A IPC Falsification of accounts
- 481 IPC Using a false property mark
- 482 IPC Punishment for using a false property mark
- 483 IPC Counterfeiting a property mark used by another
- 484 IPC Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant
- 485 IPC Making or possession of any instrument for counterfeiting a property mark
- 486 IPC Selling goods marked with a counterfeit property mark
- 487 IPC Making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods
- 488 IPC Punishment for making use of any such false mark
- 489 IPC Tampering with property mark with intent to cause injury
- 489A IPC Counterfeiting currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489B IPC Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489C IPC Possession of forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489D IPC Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency notes or bank-notes
- 489E IPC Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or bank-notes
CHAPTER XIX OF THE CRIMINAL BREACH OF CONTRACTS OF SERVICE 490. BREACH OF CONTRACT OF SERVICE DURING VOYAGE OR JOURNEY. REP. BY THE WORKMEN'S BREACH OF CONTRACT (REPEALING) ACT, 1925 (3 OF 1925), S. 2 AND SCH.
CHAPTER XX OF OFFENCES RELATING TO MARRIAGE
- 494 IPC Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife
- 495 IPC Same offence with concealment of former marriage from person with whom subsequent marriage is contracted
- 496 IPC Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage
- 497 IPC Adultery
- 498 IPC Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married woman
CHAPTER XXA OF CRUELTY BY HUSBAND OR RELATIVES OF HUSBAND
CHAPTER XXI OF DEFAMATION
CHAPTER XXII OF CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, INSULT AND ANNOYANCE
- 503 IPC Criminal intimidation
- 504 IPC Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace
- 505 IPC Statements conducing to public mischief
- 506 IPC Punishment for criminal intimidation
- 507 IPC Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication
- 508 IPC Act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of the Divine displeasure
- 509 IPC Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
- 510 IPC Misconduct in public by a drunken person
CHAPTER XXIII OF ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT OFFENCES
Official legal sources
For the authoritative wording and commencement of the current law, refer to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs commencement notification, and the India Code legislative database. Verify any subsequent amendment or notification before relying on a provision.
This material is for general legal information and historical reference, not a substitute for advice on particular facts.