The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the main criminal code of India. It was enacted in 1860 as a comprehensive code of criminal law, which defines and deals with various criminal offenses and their corresponding punishments.

The IPC consists of several chapters and sections that cover a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to, offenses against the state, public order, human body, property, morality, and public health. It also includes provisions on general principles of liability, punishment, and various defenses available to accused individuals.

The code classifies offenses into different categories such as offenses against the person, property offenses, offenses against public tranquility, offenses against the state, and so on. It prescribes specific punishments for each offense, taking into account the severity of the crime.

The IPC has been amended several times since its enactment to keep up with changing societal norms and legal developments. It serves as an important tool for the Indian judiciary, police, and legal professionals to maintain law and order and administer justice in the country