Indian Bare Acts

Plain-English summaries and frequently referenced sections of India’s central legislation. Open any act, then ask Miss Lucy a question about it in plain English.

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 — arbitration agreements, interim measures under Section 9, appointment of arbitrators under Section 11, and setting aside awards under Section 34. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 — levy and collection of CGST, input tax credit, registration, returns, and the GST compliance framework. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, enacted in 1956, serves to codify and amend the laws governing adoption and maintenance for Hindus in India. The Act primarily aims to establish a clear legal framework for the adoption process and the maintenance rights of dependents, thereby providing legal recognition and…
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 — solemnization, conditions for a valid marriage, restitution of conjugal rights, judicial separation, divorce (including by mutual consent), and maintenance. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
Hindu Succession Act, 1956The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 — intestate succession, coparcenary property, and the rights of daughters after the 2005 amendment. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
Income Tax Act, 1961The Income Tax Act, 1961, is the primary legislation governing income tax in India, establishing the framework for the assessment, charging, and collection of income tax on individuals, companies, and other entities. It defines the scope of taxable income, the rates of taxation, and the procedures for filing returns.
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — driving licences, registration of vehicles, permits, third-party insurance, and motor accident compensation claims. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Act No. 61 of 1985) is a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at regulating and controlling the operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. The primary purpose of the Act is to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking,…
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 — promissory notes, bills of exchange, cheques, and the Section 138 cheque-bounce framework. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (Act No. 49 of 1988) consolidates and amends laws related to the prevention of corruption in India. It addresses offences committed by public servants and establishes a framework for the investigation and prosecution of corruption-related crimes.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2003The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), enacted in 2003 and brought into force in 2005, aims to combat money laundering in India by criminalizing the act and establishing a framework for the confiscation of property derived from or involved in money laundering activities. The Act aligns with international obligations…
Right to Information Act, 2005The Right to Information Act, enacted on June 15, 2005, establishes a framework for citizens to access information held by public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The Act empowers individuals to request information from government bodies, ensuring that citizens can obtain…
Specific Relief Act, 1963The Specific Relief Act, 1963 — recovery of possession, specific performance of contracts, rectification and rescission of instruments, and injunctions. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) — India's new criminal procedure code replacing the CrPC, 1973. Arrest, FIR, investigation, bail and trial procedure, plus how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) — India's new criminal code replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Summary of offences, punishments, and structure, plus how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) — the framework governing civil litigation in India: jurisdiction, res judicata, suits, execution of decrees, and appeals. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Companies Act, 2013The Companies Act, 2013 — the primary legislation for corporate entities in India: incorporation, share capital, management, audit, and NCLT remedies for oppression and mismanagement. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 — consumer rights, unfair trade practices, product liability, and the District, State and National Commission complaint framework. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Copyright Act, 1957The Copyright Act, 1957, is a comprehensive legislation that governs copyright law in India, aimed at protecting the rights of authors and creators of original works. The Act consolidates and amends existing laws related to copyright, ensuring that creators can control the use of their works and receive due…
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 — the definition of dowry and the penalties for giving, taking, or demanding dowry. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Indian Contract Act, 1872The Indian Contract Act, 1872 — contract formation, validity, performance, breach, and special contracts (indemnity, guarantee, bailment, agency). Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Indian Succession Act, 1925The Indian Succession Act, 1925, serves as the primary legislation governing the succession of property in India, detailing the rules for both intestate and testamentary succession. Its main purpose is to provide a comprehensive framework for the distribution of a deceased person's estate, addressing the rights of…
The Information Technology Act, 2000The Information Technology Act, 2000 — electronic records, digital signatures, cybercrime under Sections 66, 66C, 66D and 67, and intermediary liability under Section 79. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), enacted in 2016, provides a comprehensive legal framework for the resolution of insolvency and bankruptcy for both corporate entities and individuals in India. Its primary purpose is to consolidate and streamline the processes for insolvency resolution, ensuring timely and…
The Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (Act No. 2 of 2016) aims to consolidate and amend laws related to children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection. It emphasizes a child-friendly approach in adjudication and aims to ensure the basic rights and needs of…
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (Act No. 32) is a comprehensive legislation aimed at safeguarding children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. Its primary purpose is to establish a legal framework for the protection of children, ensuring their rights and dignity are…
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — definition of domestic violence, protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Registration Act, 1908The Registration Act, 1908 — compulsory and optional registration of documents, the procedure, and the effect of non-registration. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.
The Trade Marks Act, 1999The Trade Marks Act, 1999, serves to amend and consolidate the law governing trade marks in India, focusing on the registration and protection of trade marks for goods and services while preventing the use of fraudulent marks. This legislation is applicable to individuals, businesses, and organizations engaged in…
The Transfer of Property Act, 1882The Transfer of Property Act, 1882 — sale, mortgage, lease, gift, and part performance under Section 53A. Summary, key sections, and how to research it with Miss Lucy.