Criminal Law 101 for CUET PG: Why the IPC is Still Your Best Friend
From Section 302 to Section 376, we unpack the drama, the stakes, and the exam tricks you’ll need
criminal cuet_pgThe Classic Three Act Play
In finance, we call it risk management. In law, it’s due diligence. Same thing, different drama. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the script, the judiciary is the director, and the accused is the reluctant star. You’ve seen the plot twists in the courtroom, but the real intrigue lies in how the sections interlock like a well‑engineered building.
Why BNS Still Matters
Banking and National Security (BNS) clauses have become the new frontier for criminal law students. Think of Section 115 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Section 120B of the IPC, which criminalise the concealment of proceeds of crime. These sections are the modern equivalent of a corporate compliance audit—only the penalties are harsher and the stakes are national.
Key Points to Nail the Exam
- Section 302 vs. Section 120B: The former deals with murder; the latter with concealment. Both can lead to life imprisonment, but the evidentiary burden differs.
- Section 376 (rape) vs. Section 377 (homosexuality): A reminder that the law evolves. The 2018 Supreme Court judgment in Navtej Singh Johar vs.