Chapter 2 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is often considered as the foundation for understanding the legal provisions and offences defined within the IPC. This chapter provides essential definitions and explanations for various legal terms used throughout the code. In this blog post, we will break down the key components of Chapter 2 in a clear and easily understandable manner.

IPC Chapter 2 Meaning of Gender, Number, Man, Woman Person and Public 

Section 6 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Definitions in the Code to be understood subject to exceptions. -

Throughout this Code every definition of an offence, every penal provision, and every illustration of every such definition or penal provision, shall be understood subject to the exceptions contained in the Chapter entitled "General Exceptions", though those exceptions are not repeated in such definition, penal provision, or illustration.

Illustrations Section 6 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

(a) The sections, in this Code, which contain definitions of offences, do not express that a child under seven years of age cannot commit such offences; but the definitions are to be understood subject to the general exception which provides that nothing shall be an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.

(b) A, a police-officer, without warrant, apprehends Z, who has committed murder. Here A is not guilty of the offence of wrongful confinement; for he was bound by law to apprehend Z, and therefore the case falls within the general exception which provides that "nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is bound by law to do it."

Section 7 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Sense of expression once explained. -

Every expression which is explained in any part of this Code, is used in every part of this Code in conformity with the explanation.

Illustrations Section 7 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Illustration: Let's consider the term "theft." In the IPC, "theft" is clearly defined as the dishonest act of taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This definition is provided in Section 378.

Now, if a case involves an individual taking another person's property without their consent and with the intention of permanently depriving them of it, the term "theft" should be interpreted according to the definition in Section 378. This ensures that the legal elements and consequences of "theft" are consistently applied throughout the IPC.

Section 8 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Meaning of Gender in IPC

The pronoun "he" and its derivatives are used of any person, whether male or female.

Illustrations Section 8 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Illustration: In an IPC provision that deals with offenses related to property, the code may use the pronoun "he" to refer to a person involved in a criminal act, such as theft. Section 8 clarifies that "he" can refer to any person, whether male or female.

For example, if a woman is accused of committing theft, the legal language in the IPC can apply to her without any gender-specific restrictions, thus ensuring that the law is inclusive and equitable.

Section 9 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Meaning of Number in IPC

Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

Illustrations Section 9 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Illustration: In an IPC provision, a certain offense is described as "offense against a person." According to Section 9, this description would apply to both singular and plural scenarios. It means that the provision covers offenses against one person (singular) as well as offenses against multiple persons (plural), ensuring that the law is comprehensive.

Section 10 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Meaning of "Man"/"Woman"in IPC

The word "man" denotes a male human being of any age; the word "woman" denotes a female human being of any age.

Illustrations Section 10 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Illustration: In an IPC provision related to offenses against a person's modesty, the law might refer to the victim as a "woman." Section 10 makes it clear that this term includes females of all ages, from children to adults, and that the offense can apply to any female human being.

Section 11 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Meaning of "Person" in IPC

The word "person" includes any Company or Association or body of persons, whether incorporated or not.

Illustrations Section 11 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Illustration: In an IPC provision related to fraud, the law might refer to a "person" committing fraudulent activities. According to Section 11, this term includes not only individual human beings but also companies, associations, and unincorporated groups. Therefore, the provision applies to a broader spectrum of entities involved in fraudulent activities.

Significance Section 11 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Section 11 is crucial for recognizing the legal personality and accountability of various non-human entities within the IPC.

It ensures that legal language is inclusive and applicable to a diverse range of actors, including corporations, associations, and unincorporated bodies.

Section 12 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Meaning of "Public" in IPC

The word "public" includes any class of the public or any community.

Illustrations Section 11 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Illustration: In an IPC provision related to offenses against the public order, the law might refer to the "public" being affected. According to Section 12, this term includes not only the entire public but also specific classes of the public or communities. Therefore, the provision applies to a broader spectrum of groups and populations impacted by the offense against public order.

Read more : Chapter 1 of IPC (Section 1 to 5)

MCQ on IPC Chapter 2 Meaning of Gender, Number, Man, Woman Person and Public  

Here are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the information provided in your blog post about Chapter 2 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

1. Which chapter of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provides essential definitions and explanations for various legal terms used throughout the code?

   a) Chapter 1

   b) Chapter 2

   c) Chapter 3

   d) Chapter 4

2. What is the significance of Section 6 of the IPC?

   a) It defines terms like "man" and "woman."

   b) It extends the definitions of "person" to include companies.

   c) It ensures that definitions and provisions are subject to exceptions outlined in "General Exceptions."

   d) It explains the use of gender-neutral language.

3. In an IPC provision, the term "theft" should be interpreted in accordance with which section's definition?

   a) Section 6

   b) Section 7

   c) Section 8

   d) Section 9

4. According to Section 8 of the IPC, the pronoun "he" can refer to which gender?

   a) Male only

   b) Female only

   c) Both male and female

   d) Neither male nor female

5. What is the primary purpose of Section 9 of the IPC?

   a) To explain the use of gender-neutral language

   b) To define the term "person"

   c) To clarify the meaning of "public"

   d) To ensure that words indicating the singular or plural number are interpreted correctly

6. Section 10 of the IPC defines "man" as a:

   a) Male human being of any age

   b) Female human being of any age

   c) Male human being under 18 years of age

   d) Female human being under 7 years of age

7. What is the significance of Section 11 of the IPC?

   a) It extends the definition of "public" to include specific classes or communities.

   b) It defines gender-neutral pronouns.

   c) It ensures that definitions are subject to general exceptions.

   d) It explains the use of gender-neutral language.

8. According to Section 11 of the IPC, the term "person" includes which of the following entities?

   a) Only individual human beings

   b) Companies and associations

   c) Children under seven years of age

   d) Police officers

9. Section 12 of the IPC extends the scope of the term "public" to include:

   a) Only the entire general public

   b) Specific classes of the public or communities

   c) Only women and children

   d) People above a certain age

10. Which section of the IPC acknowledges the diversity of groups and communities within society by expanding the interpretation of "public"?

    a) Section 6

    b) Section 7

    c) Section 11

    d) Section 12

Answer-key | MCQ on IPC Chapter 2 Meaning of Gender, Number, Man, Woman Person and Public  

1. b) Chapter 2

2. c) It ensures that definitions and provisions are subject to exceptions outlined in "General Exceptions."

3. b) Section 7

4. c) Both male and female

5. d) To ensure that words indicating the singular or plural number are interpreted correctly

6. a) Male human being of any age

7. a) It extends the definition of "public" to include specific classes or communities.

8. b) Companies and associations

9. b) Specific classes of the public or communities

10. d) Section 12