Substantive Criminal Law

To modernise and reform the substantive criminal laws and to align them with constitutional morality and social aspirations by:

1. Re-examining, revising, editing, omitting and adding definitions under chapter II of the I.P.C.
2. Re-examining and revising the framework on punishment under chapter III of the I.P.C.; introduction of new forms of punishments including principles of restorative justice; and, applying the revised punishment framework to the offences;
3. Reviewing the amounts of fine provisioned for in different sections under the I.P.C.;
4. Re-examining Actus Reus and Mens Rea requirements under the I.P.C.;
5. Re-examining the need and framework for strict and absolute liability offences, within the I.P.C.;
6. Re-examining the framework of general exceptions under chapter IV of the I.P.C.;
7. Developing and applying principles for criminalisation and creation of offences, and;
   • Identifying offences requiring addition to I.P.C.;
   • Identifying redundant offences and if possible, studying the feasibility of amending these provisions to increase their relevance;
   • Identifying offences requiring deletion from I.P.C.;
   • Identifying and remedying the definitional issues in offences;
   • Reclassifying offences under the I.P.C.;
8. Developing and applying principles for preventive criminalisation of acts or omissions, including attempt;
9. Examining the work and recommendations of previous Committees and Commissions on various aspects of substantive criminal law;
10. Aligning the provisions of the I.P.C with judicial decisions, wherever necessary; and,
11. Recommending such other reforms as may be necessary.