Difference Between IPC and CrPC, Definition, Purpose, Details

Q: What is the main difference between IPC and CrPC?

IPC defines crimes and prescribes punishments (substantive law). CrPC provides the procedure for investigating, prosecuting, and trying those crimes (procedural law).

Q: Which law is older, IPC or CrPC?

IPC is older, enacted in 1860, while CrPC was enacted in 1973.

Q: Can IPC and CrPC be applied together?

Yes. IPC defines the offense and its punishment, and CrPC guides the process of handling the case.

Q: Does CrPC prescribe punishments for crimes?

No. CrPC only outlines the procedure for criminal cases; punishments are given according to IPC.

Q: Is IPC a procedural law?

No. IPC is a substantive law, while CrPC is a procedural law.

Table of Contents☰

What is Indian Penal Code (IPC)?

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the main criminal code of India that defines offenses and prescribes punishments. It was enacted in 1860 by the British and applies to all Indian citizens. IPC covers almost all types of criminal acts and serves as the foundation of India’s criminal law.

Substantive Law: IPC is a substantive law, which means it defines what constitutes a crime and the punishments for each offense.
Wide Coverage: It includes offenses such as murder, theft, assault, cheating, fraud, defamation, and more.
Sections and Chapters: IPC consists of 23 chapters and 511 sections, addressing all major crimes.
Punishments: Depending on the severity of the crime, punishments under IPC may include imprisonment, fines, or death penalty.
Applicability: IPC applies to all citizens of India, regardless of religion, caste, or gender.

What is Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)?

The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) governs the procedure for investigating, prosecuting, and trying criminal cases in India. It was enacted in 1973 and ensures that criminal justice is administered fairly and efficiently. CrPC lays down the powers of law enforcement, magistrates, and courts in handling criminal cases.

Procedural Law: CrPC is a procedural law, meaning it explains how criminal cases should be handled from investigation to trial.
Stages of Criminal Justice: CrPC covers all stages, including arrest, bail, investigation, trial, evidence collection, and sentencing.
Authorities: Defines the powers and duties of police, magistrates, and courts in criminal cases.
Ensures Fairness: Provides legal safeguards to protect the rights of the accused and ensure justice.
Applicability: CrPC is applicable in all criminal proceedings in India, except in certain cases where special laws apply.

Difference Between IPC and CrPC

Although IPC and CrPC are closely linked, they are fundamentally different in purpose and application. The table below highlights the Difference Between IPC and CrPC:

Difference Between IPC and CrPC
Feature	Indian Penal Code (IPC)	Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
Type of Law	Substantive law	Procedural law
Definition	IPC defines criminal acts and prescribes punishments for them.	CrPC lays down the procedure for investigation, trial, and punishment of crimes.
Purpose	To specify what is a crime and what punishment should be given.	To explain how to investigate, prosecute, and try criminal cases.
Year Enacted	1860	1973
Nature	Focuses on substance of criminal law.	Focuses on procedure of criminal justice.
Scope	Covers all types of crimes like murder, theft, fraud, assault, and more.	Covers stages like complaint registration, investigation, arrest, bail, trial, judgment, and appeal.
Authority	Enacted by the Parliament of India.	Enacted by the Parliament of India.
Applicability	Applies to all citizens of India, regardless of religion, caste, or gender.	Applies during criminal proceedings, to police, courts, and magistrates.
Punishment	Specifies punishments like imprisonment, fines, or death penalty depending on the crime.	Does not prescribe punishments, only guides the process to enforce IPC.
Authorities Covered	Not concerned with law enforcement procedures.	Defines powers and duties of police, magistrates, and courts.

Similarities Between IPC and CrPC

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) are closely linked laws that together form the foundation of India’s criminal justice system. The Similarities Between IPC and CrPC have been tabulated below.

Similarities Between IPC and CrPC
Similarity	Description
Enacted by Parliament	Both are central laws made by the Parliament of India.
Relate to Criminal Law	Both deal with crimes and legal action against offenders.
Purpose	Ensure law and order, protect society, and deliver justice.
Complement Each Other	IPC defines the crime; CrPC explains the procedure for handling it.
Essential for Criminal Justice	Both are parts of India’s criminal justice system.
Applicability	Both apply to all citizens of India.