P S A Pillai’s Criminal Law has deservedly been described as a classic text on the Indian Penal Code, 1860, ever since the publication of its first edition in 1956. It systematically and clearly provides an in-depth analysis of all the categories of offences incorporated in the Code. Retaining the scheme and essential facets of the previous editions, the revising editor has developed the work in the light of leading judicial pronouncements and emerging trends in the field. He also offers a critical analysis of reforms that have been proposed by the Law Commission and other bodies. The book is primarily about the substantive law of crimes in India, however, it very helpfully explains relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and thus places the law in a practical context. Written in a simple and lucid style and supported with rich authorities, judicial as well as scholarly, this latest edition will retain its decades old appeal for all persons interested in the field of criminal law. This book is an essential companion for practitioners, academicians and trial court judges, especially those at the outset of their careers. The current edition will be a welcome entrant to the libraries of senior members of the profession, many of whom have relied, at one time or another, on Pillai’s Criminal Law, as a handy reference. It will also be indispensable reading for students of law pursuing their LLB, LLM, and Doctoral Degrees in the field of criminal law.

Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1 Nature of Crime Introduction 1 What is a Crime? 2 Criminal Law and Morality 7 Law and Ethics 8 Definitions of Crime 8 CHAPTER 2 Penal Law in India Criminal Law of the Hindu System 13 Mohammedan Criminal Law 14 Development of Criminal Law in India under the British Rule 16 Making of the Indian Penal Code—Historical Background 17 CHAPTER 3 Constituent Elements of Crime Introduction 23 General 23 Act to be Voluntary 24 Concomitant Circumstances 26 Act to be Prohibited by Law 26 Act Should Result in Harm 26 Act to be Direct Cause of Harm 26 Other Requirements of Law 26 Actus Reus 27 Meaning 27 Place 27 Time 27 Person 27 Consent 27 State of Mind of the Victim 27 Possession 28 Preparation 28 Causation in Crime 28 Causation and Negligence 29 Minimal Causation 30 Principle of Ordinary Hazard 31 Principle of Reasonable Foresight 32 Unexpected Interventions 32 Intervention of an Innocent Person 33 Intervention of Another Person 34 Contributory Negligence 34 CHAPTER 4 Mens Rea Introduction 37 Part A Mens Rea 37 General Principles 37 Its Objective 38 Mens Rea in the Indian Penal Code 1860 40 Intention 42 Meaning of Intention 42 Intention and Motive 43 Knowledge as Mens Rea 45 Negligence as Mens Rea 45 Intention and Knowledge as (alternative) Mens Rea 46 Intention and Consequence 47 Burden of Proof 48 Part B Public Welfare Offences and Mens Rea 49 Part C Vicarious Liability 51 Exceptions to General Rule of Vicarious Liability 52 Liability under a Statute 52 Responsibilities of Licensees 52 Neglect in Performance of Duty 53 Riot and Unlawful Assembly 53 Part D Criminal Liability of a Corporation 54