Classification of various offences
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 24 July 2026
This query is : Resolved
Have the offences contained in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) been classified into petty, serious, and grave offences, particularly for service jurisprudence and disciplinary proceedings? If so, are there any judicial decisions that have undertaken or recognised such a classification?
For the purposes of this query, the classification of offences under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, including the categorisation discussed in Shilpa Mittal v. State (NCT of Delhi), is not relevant and should be excluded from consideration.
kavksatyanarayana
(Expert) 25 July 2026
Major Categories of Offences by Chapter in the IPC: Offences against the human body: Murder, hurt, and kidnapping. Offences against property: Theft, robbery, and cheating. Offences against the state: Waging war or sedition. Offences relating to public tranquillity. Rioting and unlawful assembly. Offences relating to marriage: Bigamy and cruelty by husband or relatives. Functional Classifications: Cognizable vs. Non-Cognizable: Police can arrest without a warrant in cognizable cases, but need a warrant for non-cognizable cases. Bailable vs. Non-Bailable: Bail is a legal right in bailable offences, whereas it is granted at court discretion in non-bailable offences.
