Parul University Law Admissions 2025
Registrations Deadline- 12th June | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | Approved by Bar Council of India
India's criminal law is a legal framework that establishes and governs the nation's offences, crimes, and punishments. It covers a broad spectrum of illegal activity and offers a structure for the investigation, trial, and sentencing of lawbreakers. The main piece of legislation dictating criminal law in India is the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Crimes against the state, public order, property, person, and morals are only a few of the many categories it uses to group criminal offences. The IPC lists particular behaviours as crimes and specifies the penalties for each infraction.
Download PDF - Criminal Law Concepts and Practice Questions for CLAT
Other laws and rules about criminal law exist in India as well. For example, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) lays out the legal processes that must be adhered to during criminal investigations, trials, and appeals. To guarantee a fair trial and safeguard the rights of both the accused and the victims, the Indian Evidence Act establishes the standards of evidence in criminal trials.
India's criminal justice system involves several parties, including the judiciary, police, investigative agencies, and legal experts. The judiciary is essential to the decision-making process in criminal cases and the administration of justice, whereas the police are in charge of detecting, investigating, and preventing crime. The seriousness of the offence determines the spectrum of punishments available under Indian criminal law, which might include imprisonment or fines. There may be provisions for life in prison or, in certain cases, the death sentence for more heinous crimes like murder or rape.
Registrations Deadline- 12th June | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | Approved by Bar Council of India
Ranked #28 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16.6 LPA Highest CTC
It is crucial to remember that India's criminal code is susceptible to change as new laws are passed and old ones are modified to better serve changing social requirements or improve the administration of justice. Since Criminal Law is one of the cricual topics of the CLAT UG syllabus.
Also, check - Important Amendments for CLAT
Substantive law and procedural law are two fundamental divisions of legal systems. Let's explore the differences between these two categories with examples:
Substantive law encompasses the rights, duties, and obligations of individuals and organisations in society. It sets forth the standards of behaviour and governs interactions between people. It defines crimes, establishes legal rights, and outlines penalties for violations.
Nature of Substantive Law-
Substantive laws pertain to the domains of law that delineate an individual's rights, obligations, and permissible actions.
These laws have the autonomous authority to rule in any situation.
The legal framework around any crime, including how the case will be handled and the precise penalties that will be meted out, is determined by substantive laws.
Substantial laws in the common law system are statutes or precedents.
The legal relationships between people or between a person and the State are the subject of substantive laws.
Statutory laws that define and specify people' rights and obligations to be protected by the law, as well as crimes or wrongs and their remedies, are known as substantive laws.
The subject matter of litigation relates to the administration of justice is determined by substantive laws.
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The two types of Substantive law are referred to as Civil Law and Criminal Law which are explained in brief below.
1. Substantive Civil Law
Civil laws that deal with conflicts between individuals, organizations, or the two when the victim is entitled to compensation are known as substantive civil laws. The courts determine whether or not the plaintiff's legal rights have been violated by using substantive civil laws. The plaintiff must establish, by use of the pertinent substantive civil laws, that he or she has incurred losses or been injured. Substantial civil laws would be used to recompense the plaintiff for any harm or injury resulting from his or her success in establishing their case in court, either on their own or through the assistance of an attorney. Substantive civil laws give both parties the ability to appeal, but they do not grant any party any constitutional protections.
2. Substantive Criminal Law
Important criminal laws deal with crimes and the necessary punishments for each kind of crime. A criminal prosecution begins the moment the defendant violates any statute. Substantive criminal laws primarily aim to punish the guilty, while in some circumstances the victim may also be compensated. The court determines whether or not the accused is guilty and, if so, what the appropriate sentence for the criminal act should be by using substantive criminal legislation.
Substantial criminal laws, in contrast to substantive civil rules, provide the accused with constitutional safeguards from the outset of the trial. In this case, only the defendant may appeal, in contrast to substantive civil laws where both parties may.
Limitations of Substantive Law
Substantive legislation provisions can occasionally make it difficult for citizens to access the legal system. Certain substantive law provisions that are adverse to any plaintiff will impede the administration of justice.
Substantive laws can limit the freedom and authority of any individual.
The State's uncontrolled and unrestricted power to establish laws in conformity with its own desire is subject to judiciary obedience.
Examples of Substantive Law
Procedural law governs the process by which substantive law is enforced and applied. It sets out the rules and procedures to be followed in legal proceedings, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the administration of justice.
Nature of Procedural Law
Procedural laws define the means and processes by which substantive laws can be applied.
They don't have the autonomy to decide for themselves in any circumstance.
The legal procedure, which is periodically applied in extralegal circumstances such as the filing of lawsuits or the progress of any case, is governed by these laws.
Acts of Parliament or government implementation carry out the enforcement of these laws.
Procedural laws not only specify how rights should be enforced but also provide remedies for rights violations and outline the legal process's apparatus.
According to Holland, procedural laws also outline the functions of judges and the structure of courts, even though they are primarily concerned with the rights and actions of private litigants.
The 2 types of procedural laws Civil and Criminal are explained in detail below.
1. Laws of Civil Procedure
The laws governing civil proceedings are the set of guidelines, norms, and procedures that the courts must adhere to when handling civil cases and other types of civil trials. These procedural laws specify the opening of a civil suit or case as well as the steps that must be taken throughout the legal process. The parties to any legal case are determined under civil procedural laws. The parties to a civil action brought by private persons or groups, businesses, organizations, or institutions against one another, as well as additional parties. Civil lawsuits brought by private parties may also name the ruling government or any of its branches or agencies as defendants.
2. Laws of Criminal Procedure:
On the other hand, substantive criminal laws deal with the punishments for offences against both private and public individuals. The laws of criminal procedure, often known as corollary laws, set the foundation for criminal procedures. These statutes specify how criminal law should be applied and in what circumstances. The purpose of the legal system is to establish the truth and decide guilt or innocence based on all available evidence. As a result, criminal procedural laws also govern the presentation of evidence, the way witnesses testify about crimes they have committed, and how misdeeds are recorded and proven through material evidence.
Examples of Procedural law
In summary, substantive law defines the legal rights and obligations of individuals, whereas procedural law focuses on the methods and processes used to enforce those rights. Substantive law defines what is legal or illegal, while procedural law outlines how legal actions are to be conducted.
Given below is the difference between Substantive and Procedural law is tabulated below in detail.
Substantive Law | Procedural Law |
---|---|
Establishes obligations, rights, and penalties | Focuses on the adjudication process |
Outlines legal connections | Guarantees a fair trial |
Establishes the facts that serve as the foundation for a lawsuit | Controls the presentation of facts in court |
Addresses the case's merits | Directs the course of court cases |
Provides the content for what is implemented | Gives the tools necessary to enforce rights and duties |
Most laws are the same in different jurisdictions. | Depending on the jurisdiction, rules can change. |
Directly affects the verdict in court | Might not immediately affect how a case turns out |
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Methodical preparation and focused study are necessary when preparing for the criminal law for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)The following actions can help you prepare efficiently:
1. Recognise the Curriculum: Become acquainted with the criminal law-related curriculum for the legal aptitude portion of the CLAT. This will enable you to pinpoint the precise subjects you should concentrate on.
2. Study Materials: Gather the pertinent criminal law study materials. Seek out study materials, reference books, textbooks, and internet sites that address the fundamental ideas and ideas of criminal law. You can also refer to criminal law notes for CLAT pdf which comprises all the topics of the chapter Criminal Law. Students can also refer to books such as P.S.A. Pillai's Criminal Law, K.D. Gaur's Criminal Law, and Ratanlal and Dhirajlal's The Indian Penal Code are a few recommended publications.
3. Case Law: Research significant precedent-setting cases about Indian criminal law. Recognise the facts of each case, the established legal principles, and the court rulings. This will assist you in gaining a deeper comprehension of how criminal law is used in practical situations.
4. Recognise the IPC: The primary piece of legislation guiding criminal law in India is the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Examine the Indian Penal Code thoroughly, taking note of the many types of offences, their definitions, and the associated penalties stipulated. Pay close attention to the portions that deal with crimes against people, property, and the state.
5. Read the Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): Become acquainted with the Indian Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure. These laws control the rules of evidence as well as the processes that are followed in criminal proceedings. Recognise the many phases of a criminal trial, the methods used in investigations, and the fundamentals of gathering and presenting evidence.
6. Practise Mock exams: To gain a sense of the exam format and to hone your time management and problem-solving abilities, routinely practise mock exams and previous years' question papers. Examine how you performed and determine what needs to be improved.
7. Emphasize legal aptitude: By resolving legal reasoning and aptitude issues that are particularly linked to criminal law, you can improve your legal aptitude. Gain proficiency in analysing legal situations, and recognising pertinent legal ideas.
8. Keep Up to Date: The subject of criminal law is ever-evolving, with new laws and rulings being passed and issued on a regular basis. To be informed about the most recent advancements, peruse legal news, subscribe to legal blogs, and consult up-to-date criminal law textbooks.
9. Seek help: Take into account enrolling in online courses or coaching programmes that provide materials and organised help for preparing for the CLAT. Have conversations with colleagues, superiors, or criminal law experts to get more knowledge.
10. Time Management and Revision: Create a study schedule that gives each topic enough time. Review criminal law topics and principles regularly to help you remember the material and strengthen your comprehension of it.
Also, check - 20 Most Important Concepts for CLAT Legal Aptitude
When preparing for Criminal Law for CLAT, it becomes important to know important case laws related to criminal law. Hence few of the important cases are given below and explained a brief detail.
R. v. Dudley and Stephens (1884): This case dealt with the issue of necessity as a defence to murder. The defendants were shipwrecked and resorted to cannibalism to survive. They were acquitted of murder, but the case established that necessity is a valid defence only in the most extreme circumstances.
State of Punjab v. Gian Singh (2012): This case dealt with the power of the High Court to quash criminal proceedings under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The High Court held that it has the power to quash proceedings even if the case is not covered by any of the grounds mentioned in Section 482.
K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra (1962): This case dealt with the issue of provocation as a defence to murder. The defendant was acquitted of murder because he was provoked by his wife's infidelity. This case established that provocation can be a valid defence to murder, but it must be reasonable and proportionate to the provocation.
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): This case dealt with the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court held that the right to personal liberty is a fundamental right and that it cannot be violated except in accordance with the law.
ADM Jabalpur v. Shivakant Shukla (1976): This case dealt with the issue of preventive detention. The Supreme Court held that preventive detention is a valid measure, but it can only be imposed in accordance with the law and the procedure established by law.
State of Bombay v. Kathi Kalu Oghad (1961): This case dealt with the issue of self-defence. The Supreme Court held that self-defence is a valid defence to murder, but it must be reasonable and necessary.
Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1997): This case dealt with the issue of dowry death. The Supreme Court held that dowry death is a crime and that the punishment for it should be severe.
Vishal Mehrotra v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2008): This case dealt with the issue of cybercrime. The Supreme Court held that cybercrime is a serious crime and that the punishment for it should be commensurate with the severity of the offence.
Also, check - Criminal Law Questions for CLAT with Answers
Creating mnemonic devices, visual aids, or flashcards for each type of crime can help you remember the elements and classifications more effectively. Associating examples with each offence can also make the concepts clearer.
Follow legal news websites, blogs, and social media accounts of legal experts. Many online platforms offer newsletters or summaries of recent legal cases and changes in legislation that you can easily access.
Practice and repetition are crucial. Make side-by-side comparisons of terms like "murder" and "manslaughter" or "theft" and "robbery" with clear explanations for each. Regular revision will help solidify the differences.
Engage in regular practice with mock tests and CLAT previous years' question papers. Focus on analysing legal principles, facts, and applying them to different scenarios. This will improve your analytical and deductive skills.
Read legal texts and judgments regularly. Start with simplified explanations and gradually move on to more complex sources. Keeping a legal dictionary handy and referring to it when you encounter unfamiliar terms can also be helpful.
Hello Aspirant,
With an AIR of 11,588 in CLAT 2025 and the OBC (Women) category rank of 2,068, your prospects at the top NLUs are not too bright. However, referring to the previous years' trends, you may have some chances of getting into some of the new/low-ranked NLUs in OBC-Women category. You can consider:
Check this link: CLAT NLU Cut Off 2025
Hello Sushil,
You will be eligible to take the CLAT examination in December 2027.
Since you will be giving your Class 12 board exams in February 2027, you will not be eligible for the CLAT held in December 2026. CLAT requires candidates to either have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 examination in the same academic year of admission.
Important points:
CLAT is conducted in December for admission in the next academic year.
You must have completed or be appearing in Class 12 by the year of admission.
Since your Class 12 boards are in 2027, your valid CLAT attempt will be in December 2027.
You should prepare accordingly for the CLAT 2027 attempt.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
Hii,
No, you cannot use CLAT to gain admission to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for a B.A.LL.B. For admission to the B.A.LL.B program, BHU administers its own entrance exam, known as CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate).
Therefore, you must take CUET UG rather than CLAT if you wish to enroll in BHU's B.A.LL.B program. National Law Universities (NLUs), not BHU, use CLAT for admission.
you have a good chance to get admission into some of the better Tier 3 NLUs. These offer academic programs and opportunities to explore various fields of law, including corporate law, constitutional law, and international law. Some of the Tier 3 NLUs have growing reputations and offer a balanced mix of academics and practical exposure, which can help you build a solid foundation for your legal career. Choosing the right college will also depend on your preferences for location, campus facilities, and specializations, so researching these factors alongside your rank will help you make a well-informed decision
Hello there,
With an All India Rank (AIR) of 3924 and EWS category rank 306 in CLAT, here’s what you can generally expect:
You have a
good chance of admission
in some of the
newer or less competitive NLUs
.
Admission in
top NLUs
like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NUJS Kolkata, WBNUJS Kolkata, or NLU Delhi may be difficult, as their closing ranks are usually within the top 1000 or so.
You can expect better chances at NLUs like:
NLIU Bhopal
NLU Jodhpur
HNLU Raipur
GNLU Gandhinagar
RMLNLU Lucknow
CNLU Patna
These NLUs often have closing ranks ranging from around 2000 to 5000 for EWS category, so your rank fits well within this range.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
A lawyer advises clients on legal matters, represents them in court, and drafts legal documents. They work in various fields like criminal, corporate, or family law. Key skills include communication, research, and analytical thinking. To become a lawyer in India, one must complete a law degree, clear entrance exams, register with the Bar Council, and pass the All India Bar Examination.
Are you searching for a civil lawyer job description? A civil lawyer is a law professional who deals with disputes that come under civil law. Civil law is applicable to issues related t property and business disputes, family disputes, and torts. A tort can be defined as a civil wrong that causes the other person harm or injury. A Civil lawyer handles disputes regarding personal injury, family relationships, real estate, and employment. A career as a civil lawyer requires working with government entities and business institutions.
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A criminal lawyer is a lawyer who specialises in the field of crimes and punishments. Individuals who have been accused of committing a crime are guided by a criminal lawyer. Bail bond hearings, plea bargains, trials, dismissal hearings, appeals, and post-conviction procedures are all part of his or her work. Criminal law is the body of law that describes criminal acts, governs the arrest, prosecution, and trial of offenders, and defines the sentences and correctional options that are available to criminals.
Family lawyers are required to assist a client in resolving any family-related problem. In general, family lawyers operate as mediators between family members when conflicts arise. Individuals who opt for a career as Family Lawyer is charged with drafting prenuptial agreements to protect someone's financial interests prior to marriage, consulting on grounds for impeachment or civil union separation, and drafting separation agreements.
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An immigration lawyer is responsible for representing the individuals (clients) involved in the immigration process that includes legal, and illegal citizens and refugees who want to reside in the country, start a business or get employment.
A Government Lawyer represents the government in legal matters, provides legal advice to officials, drafts legislation, and prosecutes or defends cases. The role requires strong research, communication, and analytical skills. To pursue this career, one must obtain an LLB, pass the Bar Exam, gain court experience, and apply for government positions. Career progression includes roles from junior to senior government lawyer.
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