Criminal law in India is governed by the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which was enacted in 1860. The IPC lays down the definitions of various criminal offenses and the punishments for them. Criminal law in India applies to all persons within the territory of India, regardless of their nationality.

The Indian criminal justice system is based on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and due process. The system is comprised of various institutions, including the police, the judiciary, and the prisons. The police are responsible for investigating crimes and gathering evidence, while the judiciary is responsible for interpreting the law and administering justice.

The criminal law in India covers a wide range of offenses, including murder, assault, theft, fraud, bribery, and cybercrime. The punishments for these offenses can range from fines and imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime. In addition, the Indian criminal law recognizes certain defenses, such as self-defense and insanity, which can mitigate the punishment for certain crimes.

Criminal law in India also has provisions for protecting the rights of accused individuals, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to counsel, and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. These protections ensure that the criminal justice system operates fairly and transparently, and that individuals are not subject to arbitrary or unjust treatment