IPC Section 1: Title and extent of operation of the Code

This Act shall be called the Indian Penal Code, and shall extend to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

IPC Section 1: Simplified Explanation

1. Title: The code is officially named the “Indian Penal Code.” This title reflects the nature and purpose of the law—it governs criminal offences and their punishments within India.
2. Extent of Operation: This section explains where the Indian Penal Code applies. The IPC applies to the entire territory of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Now, a bit of historical context might help in understanding why Jammu and Kashmir is excluded:

Jammu and Kashmir had a special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted it considerable autonomy. Consequently, laws enacted by the Indian Parliament, including the Indian Penal Code, didn’t automatically apply to Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, Jammu and Kashmir had their separate penal code, the Ranbir Penal Code, enacted in 1862 during the Dogra dynasty rule. However, on August 5, 2019, the Indian government abolished Article 370, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. As a result, laws passed by the Indian Parliament, including the IPC, became applicable to the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir.