15/05/2026
What is a “Court” under IPC?
A Court is not defined merely by a building or a judge’s chair.
IPC Section 2(e) explains that a “Court” includes any person or authority legally empowered to hear, adjudicate, and decide matters — whether civil or criminal.
📚 Why does this matter?
Because many offences under the IPC are directly connected to judicial proceedings, evidence before courts, false statements, obstruction of justice, and acts affecting the administration of law.
⚖️ This definition becomes crucial in offences related to:
• False evidence
• Perjury
• Contempt-like conduct
• Judicial proceedings
• Fabrication of records
• Obstruction of justice
🚨 Unknown Legal Fact:
Indian courts have held that even certain tribunals, commissions, or specially empowered authorities may qualify as a “Court” under IPC if they possess legal authority to decide matters judicially.
In criminal law, authority matters more than designation.
— Chambers of Advocate Naman K. Mankad