Indian Penal Code

News:The Central Government has constituted two committees comprising legal luminaries to overhaul the Indian Penal Code (IPC) introduced by the British in 1860.

Facts:

About Indian Penal Code,1860:

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the official criminal code of India.It is a comprehensive code intended to cover all substantive aspects of criminal law.
• The code was drafted in 1860 on the recommendations of first law commission of India established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833 under the Chairmanship of Lord Macaulay. 
• The Code was passed into law in 1860.The Code came into operation in 1862.
• The Code has since been amended several times and is now supplemented by other criminal provisions.

Why reforms are needed in IPC?

• The revamping of the code introduced by the British in 1860 is necessary as it is primarily based on the spirit of master and servant.
• The complete overhaul is needed as IPC has never been amended in totality after it has been framed.Only some additions and deletions have been made..
• There is uneven punishment for crimes of grievous nature.For example snatching of chains or bags on road.It could be life-threatening in some cases but the punishment is not commensurate with the gravity of the crime.