Gender Analysis of the Indian Penal Code

Abstract

The Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC) has been amended only sparingly since its enactment. The substantive penal provisions contained therein are applicable to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The IPC originally had twenty-three chapters. Three more chapters, namely, offences relating to criminal conspiracy, election and cruelty to married women, have been added later.

Thematically, the IPC may broadly be divided into four sections. Chapters one to five contain general matters relating to the extent, definitions, principles of liability, etc. Chapters six to fifteen deal with public matters between individuals and the state. Chapters sixteen to twenty- two are primarily concerned with offences committed by individuals against individuals or legal persons other than the state.