As per Lawkidunya,  The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the main criminal code of India, which outlines the criminal offenses and their corresponding punishments. It was enacted in 1860 and has undergone several amendments since then.

Key Features of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

1. Comprehensive coverage: The IPC covers a wide range of criminal offenses, including crimes against the state, crimes against the person, crimes against property, and crimes against public order.
2. Classification of offenses: The IPC classifies offenses into several categories, including cognizable and non-cognizable offenses, bailable and non-bailable offenses, and compoundable and non-compoundable offenses.
3. Punishments: The IPC prescribes various punishments for different offenses, including imprisonment, fine, and death.

Important Sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

4. Section 302: Punishment for murder.
5. Section 307: Attempt to murder.
6. Section 375: Definition of rape.
7. Section 420: Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
8. Section 499: Defamation.

Objectives of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

9. To maintain law and order: The IPC aims to maintain law and order in society by prescribing punishments for criminal offenses.
10. To protect the rights of citizens: The IPC ensures that the rights of citizens are protected and that justice is served.
11. To deter crime: The IPC aims to deter crime by prescribing severe punishments for serious offenses.

Amendments to Indian Penal Code (IPC)

The IPC has undergone several amendments since its enactment in 1860. Some notable amendments include:

1. The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 1983: This amendment introduced changes to the provisions related to rape and other sexual offenses.
2. The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 2013: This amendment introduced changes to the provisions related to crimes against women, including rape and sexual harassment.
3. The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Act, 2019: This amendment introduced changes to the provisions related to crimes against children, including child abuse and child pornography. Visit Official Website