An offence is a breach of a law or rule, which is punishable by law. A criminal offence is a crime against the society, is further categorized into Cognizable offence or Non-Cognizable offence. Check out Offences under Information Technology Act here.

Section 40 of Indian Penal Code states the word “offence” denotes a thing punishable under the Code, or under any special or local law as defined.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

The Indian Penal Code is divided into the following chapters:

Chapter I: Introduction

Chapter II: General Explanations

Chapter III: Of Punishments

Chapter IV: General Exceptions

Chapter V: Of Abetment

Chapter VA: Criminal Conspiracy

Chapter VI: Of Offences Against The State

Chapter VII: Of Offences Relating To The Army, Navy, Air Force

Chapter VIII: Of Offences Against The Public Tranquillity

Chapter IX: Of Offences By Or Relating To Public Servants

Chapter IXA: Of Offences Relating To Elections

Chapter X: Of Contempts Of The Lawful Authority Of Public Servants

Chapter XI: Of False Evidence And Offences Against Public Justice

Chapter XII: Of Offences Relating To Coin And Government Stamps

Chapter XIII: Of Offences Relating To Weights And Measures

Chapter XIV: Of Offences Affecting The Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency And Morals

Chapter XV: Of Offences Relating To Religion

Chapter XVI: Of Offences Affecting The Human Body

Chapter XVII: Of Offences Against Property

Chapter XVIII: Of Offences Relating To Documents And To Property Marks

Chapter XIX: Of The Criminal Breach Of Contracts Of Service

Chapter XX: Of Offences Relating To Marriage

Chapter XXA: Of Cruelty By Husband Or Relatives Of Husband

Chapter XXI: Of Defamation

Chapter XXII: Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult And Annoyance

Chapter XXIII: Of Attempts To Commit Offences