Criminal Law (Brief Introduction)

Criminal law defines offences, prescribes punishments, and lays down the procedure for investigation and trial. It protects society by punishing wrongdoers and deterring crimes.

1. Core Criminal Codes (2023 onwards)

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) (PDF of the Act)
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) (PDF of the Act)
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) (PDF of the Act)

2. Major Special Criminal Laws

• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS) (PDF of the Act)
• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PDF of the Act)
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) (PDF of the Act)
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) (PDF of the Act)
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PDF of the Act)
• Arms Act, 1959 (PDF of the Act)
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (PDF of the Act)
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (PDF of the Act)
• Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (criminal enforcement for breaches) (PDF of the Act)

3. Economic & Financial Crimes

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) (PDF of the Act)
• Companies Act, 2013 (criminal liability of directors, frauds) (PDF of the Act)
• Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (PDF of the Act)
• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA – quasi-criminal in nature) (PDF of the Act)
• Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) Act, 2015 (PDF of the Act)

4. Public Safety & Security 

• Explosives Act, 1884 (PDF of the Act)
• Explosive Substances Act, 1908 (PDF of the Act)
• Official Secrets Act, 1923 (PDF of the Act)
• Aircraft Act, 1934 (and Rules) (PDF of the Act)
• Railway Protection Force Act, 1957 (PDF of the Act)
• National Security Act, 1980 (PDF of the Act)

5. Social Welfare & Morality Laws

• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (PDF of the Act)
• Child Marriage Restraint / Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PDF of the Act)
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (PDF of the Act)
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 (PDF of the Act)

6. Environmental & Health-related Crimes

• Environment Protection Act, 1986 (PDF of the Act)
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (PDF of the Act)
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (PDF of the Act)
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (PDF of the Act)
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (PDF of the Act)

FAQs on Criminal Law

Q1. What is criminal law?

It is the body of law that defines crimes, prescribes punishments, and lays down procedures for investigation and trial.

Q2. Which are the main criminal codes in India now?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) – crimes & punishments.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) – criminal procedure.
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) – rules of evidence.

Q3. What did these replace?

BNS replaced IPC, BNSS replaced CrPC, and BSA replaced the Indian Evidence Act.

Q4. What is an example of BNS?

Murder, theft, rape, cheating, and cyber fraud.

Q5. What is an example of BNSS?

How FIRs are filed, how bail is granted, and how trials proceed.

Q6. What is an example of BSA?

Deciding if a WhatsApp message, CCTV footage, or witness statement is admissible.

Q7. Are there laws outside BNS?

Yes, many special criminal laws exist, e.g., NDPS (drugs), POCSO (child safety), UAPA (terrorism), and SC/ST Act (atrocities).

Q8. Who enforces criminal law?

Police investigate, courts try the case, and prisons enforce punishment.

Q9. Can the government directly arrest without trial?

Only under preventive detention laws like the National Security Act, 1980, but courts review such powers.

Q10. What is a cognisable offence?

A serious offence where police can register an FIR and arrest without prior court approval (e.g., murder, rape).

Q11. What is a non-cognisable offence?

Less serious crimes (e.g., defamation, public nuisance) where police need court approval to act.

Q12. Is cybercrime covered under BNS?

Yes, but also under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Q13. Can children be punished under criminal law?

Children below 7 cannot be punished; juveniles (7–18 years) are dealt with under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

Q14. What is white-collar crime?

Financial or corporate offences like money laundering (PMLA), insider trading, and corporate fraud.

Q15. Can the victim get compensation?

Yes, under BNSS victim compensation schemes and special acts like POCSO.

Q16. Is domestic violence a criminal offence?

Yes, breach of a protection order under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, attracts criminal liability.

Q17. Are dowry-related offences part of criminal law?

Yes, under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and provisions in BNS.

Q18. Can criminal cases be settled privately?

Some minor offences are compoundable with court permission, but serious crimes like murder cannot be settled.

Q19. What is bail?

Temporary release of an accused during trial under BNSS.

Q20. Who has the final word in criminal cases?

The Supreme Court of India, unless it's a matter of mercy petitions before the President.