Comprehensive Study Notes on Indian Legal Framework
Indian Judicial Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita - BNS)
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 replaces the colonial Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. It focuses on
simplifying and modernizing criminal laws, covering offences like murder, theft, terrorism, sexual crimes,
organized crime etc. Key provisions: Community service as punishment, gender-neutral rape law, mob lynching
treated as heinous crime, terrorism defined comprehensively. Real-life Example: A mob lynching case under IPC
was treated with loopholes, but under BNS clear penalties (life imprisonment/death penalty) are prescribed.
Indian Civil Security Code (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita - BNSS)
The BNSS 2023 replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973. It governs investigation, trial, bail, arrest,
rights of accused, and procedural fairness. Key reforms: Electronic FIR, forensic investigation mandatory in
offences punishable by 7+ years, time-bound trials, 'Zero FIR' continues. Example: Women can record statement
from home using video conferencing under BNSS.
Protection of Women, Children, SC/ST
Laws: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, POSCO Act 2012 (for children), SC/ST (Prevention
of Atrocities) Act 1989. Special courts, fast-track trials, and victim compensation schemes are emphasized.
Example: In Nirbhaya case, fast-track trial ensured quicker justice.
Traffic Rules
Governed by Motor Vehicles Act 2019. Strict penalties: Rs. 5000 for drunken driving, Rs. 1000 for not wearing
helmets, suspension of license for repeated offences. Technology like e-challan systems and speed cameras
have been introduced.
Environmental & Wildlife Protection
Key laws: Environment Protection Act 1986, Air Act 1981, Water Act 1974, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Forest
Rights Act 2006. Example: Supreme Court's judgment in MC Mehta v. Union of India on pollution control of Ganga
and Delhi industries.
Human Rights Protection
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) monitors violations. Fundamental Rights under Constitution (Art.
14–32) are the backbone. Example: NHRC interventions in custodial deaths.
Right to Information Act 2005
Empowers citizens to demand information from public authorities. Example: Exposed recruitment scams and
corruption in state departments.
Income Tax Act 1961
Defines rules of income taxation, exemptions, deductions (like Section 80C for investments). Exam focus: Heads
of income (Salary, House Property, Business, Capital Gains, Other Sources).
Prevention of Corruption Act 1988
Defines corruption as abuse of public office for personal gain. Includes bribery, misuse of power, criminal
misconduct. Example: 2G spectrum case trial under this Act.
National Security Act 1980
Empowers preventive detention of persons affecting national security, law & order. Maximum detention: 12
months. Widely debated for misuse.
IT Act 2000 & Cyber Crime
Covers hacking, identity theft, phishing, cyber terrorism, child pornography, and data breaches. Example: Aadhaar
database leak cases tested IT Act provisions.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Tool where any citizen can approach courts for protection of rights/public welfare. Example: Vishaka v. State of
Rajasthan (guidelines on sexual harassment at workplace).
Important Judicial Decisions
Kesavananda Bharati case: Basic Structure Doctrine. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India: expanded Article 21.
Shah Bano case: Muslim women’s right to maintenance.
Land Reforms & Land Acquisition
Key laws: Land Acquisition Act 2013 (fair compensation, consent of farmers), Tenancy reforms, Ceiling on land
holdings. Example: Singur land acquisition case in West Bengal.
Land Revenue Laws
Deals with collection of land revenue, mutation, rights of tenants, and state’s ownership over land. Varies by state.
Important for exams in UP, Bihar, MP etc.
MCQ Question Bank (300 Questions)
Q1. BNS replaces which colonial law?
(A) IPC 1860
(B) CrPC 1973
(C) Evidence Act 1872
(D) None
Answer: IPC 1860
Q2. Which Act governs traffic penalties in India?
(A) Motor Vehicles Act 2019
(B) Environment Protection Act 1986
(C) BNSS 2023
(D) None
Answer: Motor Vehicles Act 2019
Q3. Which Article ensures Right to Constitutional Remedies?
(A) Art 14
(B) Art 19
(C) Art 21
(D) Art 32
Answer: Art 32
