The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the official criminal code of the Republic of India. It replaced Mohammedan Criminal Law, which had a very close relationship with Islam. Thus, the IPC laid the foundation of secularism.
It came into force in 1862 in all British Presidencies, although it did not apply to the Princely states. It was the first codification of criminal law in the British Empire.
The first draft of the Indian Penal Code was prepared by the First Law Commission (established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833 under the chairmanship of Macaulay), chaired by Thomas Babington Macaulay.
The complete drafting of the code was done in 1850 and presented to the Legislative Council in 1856.
The code came into force after undergoing many revisions and amendments by Barnes Peacock who would go on to serve as the first Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.
The Indian Penal Code of 1860 is subdivided into 23 chapters that comprise of 511 sections.
Recommended Books for General Studies Preparation for UPSC Prelims & Mains
