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. |
Last updated on January, 2026
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Difference Between IPC and CrPC FAQs
Q1. What is the main difference between IPC and CrPC?+
Q2. Which law is older, IPC or CrPC?+
Q3. Can IPC and CrPC be applied together?+
Q4. Does CrPC prescribe punishments for crimes?+
Q5. Is IPC a procedural law?+
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