Criminal Law Questions
Browse criminal law questions asked by people across India.
Questions in Criminal Law are answered with reference to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, which replaced the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act. Each answer states the section that applies, the forum that hears the matter and the limitation period, so the position can be checked against the official text at India Code before you act on it.
The forum depends on the facts rather than the label: a dispute described as a family matter may be heard by a family court, a magistrate or a civil judge depending on whether the relief sought is maintenance, custody, injunction or declaration. Where the law has been renumbered by the 2023 criminal law reforms, answers note both the old and the new section numbers.
My brother forged my signature on a property document and sold our ancestral land. How do I get it back?
My sister's husband beats her regularly and throws her out of the house. She has two children. What legal protection is available?
I gave 2 lakh rupees to my colleague as a loan and he gave me a cheque that bounced. How do I recover my money?
I was caught driving after drinking two beers and the police took my licence. What is the punishment and will I go to jail?
Two men on a bike snatched my gold chain while I was walking on the road. The chain was worth 80,000 rupees. What should I do?
Someone threw acid on my sister's face after she rejected his proposal. What legal action and compensation can we get?
A man in my locality follows my daughter every day on her way to college and passes lewd comments. Police say it is not serious. What is the law?
My in-laws are demanding a car and 5 lakh rupees after my marriage, and my husband is supporting them. What can I do?
My neighbour's CCTV camera is pointed directly at my bedroom window, can I force him to remove it?
My business partner forged my signature on a partnership deed to show 60 percent share instead of 50, what case can I file?
My friend was arrested in a drugs case and his bail was rejected by sessions court, can he get bail from High Court?
Police came to my house at 2 am without any warrant asking me to come to the station for questioning, do I have to go?
Some boys in my colony eve-teased my daughter and when I confronted them they beat me up, can I get them arrested?
My wife filed a false domestic violence case against me to pressure me in divorce settlement, how do I defend myself?
I gave my scooter to a mechanic for repair and he sold it to someone else without my consent, what case can I file?
My brother was attacked with a knife by his business partner and got 12 stitches, what sections can we invoke in the FIR?
A false cheque bounce case is filed against me but I had already paid the amount in cash, how do I defend myself?
My uncle is harassing my mother for dowry even though I am already married for two years, what can we do?
I was caught drunk driving last week and police took my licence, will I go to jail and what is the fine?
Someone posted my photo on Facebook with a fake caption saying I am a fraud, can I file a defamation case?
Police arrested my son without any warrant at 11 pm and did not inform me till next morning, is this legal?
Police refused to register my complaint saying my area comes under another station, what can I do?
My father filed an FIR against me for stealing his gold chain but I never took it, how do I get the FIR quashed?
How can I defend myself against charges under Section 420 of the IPC for cheating if I can prove that there was no intention to deceive?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Law
What is criminal law in India?
Criminal law in India is primarily governed by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. It defines crimes, prescribes punishments, and outlines procedures for investigation and trial.
How to file an FIR in India?
To file an FIR: (1) Visit the nearest police station, (2) Provide details of the incident orally or in writing, (3) The officer must register the FIR under Section 154 CrPC, (4) Get a free copy of the FIR, (5) If refused, send the complaint to the Superintendent of Police.
What is bail in India and how to get it?
Bail is temporary release from custody. For bailable offenses, bail is a right under Section 436 CrPC. For non-bailable offenses, bail is discretionary under Section 437/439 CrPC, depending on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and likelihood of fleeing.
What is the punishment for fraud in India?
Fraud under Section 415-420 IPC is punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. Under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, cheating is punishable under Section 318 with up to 7 years imprisonment. Online fraud may also attract IT Act provisions.
Can police arrest without a warrant in India?
Yes. Under Section 41 of the CrPC, police can arrest without a warrant for cognizable offenses (offenses with punishment over 7 years). For non-cognizable offenses, a warrant is required. The arrested person must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.