Your Guide to the Main Types of Law in India in 2025

The types of law in India form the backbone of the country’s legal system, governing everything from individual rights and business operations to criminal justice and property ownership. These include foundational laws such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Hindu Marriage Act, the Right to Education Act, Cyber Law, and the Intellectual Property Law. 

Understanding these is important because they influence your everyday choices, whether starting a business, buying property, or resolving a dispute.

In this blog, you’ll explore the types of law in India, how they are structured, and how they impact your personal and professional life through real-world examples.

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Types of Law in India: A Complete Guide to Legal Categories Across the Nation

India’s legal system is vast and diverse, shaped by historical, cultural, and constitutional frameworks. The types of law in India can be broadly categorized based on their nature, scope, and level of governance. These laws regulate individual conduct, institutional responsibilities, economic systems, civil rights, and criminal behavior, among many other aspects.

Understanding how central and state laws operate is essential for functioning effectively in India's legal environment. Here’s why it matters:

• India follows a dual legal structure: Besides over 1,248 central laws, each state can create its own laws, resulting in thousands more state-specific regulations across various sectors.
• Knowing the source of law helps you act wisely: Distinguishing between central and state laws enables you to reach the correct authority. This could be a court, tribunal, or government office, saving time and avoiding errors.
• Regional laws vary significantly: From alcohol regulations to agricultural policies and property rules, what’s legal in one state may differ in another, making local legal knowledge crucial.
• Legal awareness supports life and business decisions: Whether starting a company, marrying, or filing for divorce, understanding relevant laws ensures compliance and reduces the risk of disputes.
• Everyday activities are governed by multiple legal layers: For instance, opening a restaurant requires adherence to central laws like the FSSAI Act and also local municipal, labor, and fire safety regulations governed by the state.
• Even central laws may play out differently in states: For example, divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act is centrally defined, but the filing process, timelines, and court procedures can vary by state jurisdiction.

Want to master the types of law in India and navigate legal matters with clarity? The following breakdown will boost your understanding and help you make informed decisions in real-life situations.

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Before going into the list of state laws, let’s first understand the types of central laws in India and how they are categorized under the constitutional framework.

Central Laws in India: The Backbone of National Governance

The Parliament of India enacts central laws that apply uniformly across the country. These laws regulate key areas such as criminal justice, taxation, corporate governance, and civil rights. Understanding these laws is essential for making informed decisions in your personal and professional life. Whether you're running a business, filing a complaint, getting married, or seeking justice, central laws provide the legal roadmap.

While the Indian legal system includes hundreds of central laws, this guide focuses on the major types of law in India that you will most likely encounter.

Here is the breakdown of the Common Central Laws

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Here are the details of each law with an example:

1. Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860

This is the backbone of criminal law among the types of law in India. It clearly defines what actions are considered criminal, such as theft, assault, murder, defamation, and cheating, and specifies the legal penalties for each offense. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) ensures uniformity in criminal justice by applying the same legal standards across the country.

How it impacts you: The IPC protects your rights by ensuring that any crime committed against you is treated seriously and handled under a single standard set of laws, no matter where in India it happens.

Example: If someone breaks into your home and steals your valuables, the police will register a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the IPC. For instance, Section 380 deals with theft, while Section 457 applies to housebreaking. These sections guide how the case is investigated and prosecuted.

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2. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973

CrPC is the procedural arm of criminal law among the types of law in India. It lays down the step-by-step legal process to be followed in every criminal case, starting from filing a complaint (First Information Report or FIR), followed by investigation, arrest, bail procedures, evidence collection, trial hearings, and ultimately the delivery of a verdict. This law ensures that all criminal proceedings are conducted fairly, uniformly, and within the boundaries of justice, regardless of location or individuals involved.

How it impacts you: If you are a victim of a crime or wrongfully accused, the CrPC guarantees that the police and judiciary follow a fixed legal procedure. It protects your rights by ensuring the system is not arbitrary or biased. Every stage, from the FIR to the trial, must adhere to the process prescribed by the CrPC, giving both the victim and the accused a fair opportunity to present their case.

Example: Imagine you are assaulted and go to the police station to report it. The officer must file an FIR and begin a lawful investigation. If a suspect is identified, they must be arrested under CrPC rules and brought before a magistrate within 24 hours. As the case progresses, hearings are scheduled, evidence is presented, and witnesses are examined. All under strict guidelines set by the CrPC to ensure justice is delivered correctly and impartially.

3. Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908

The Code of Civil Procedure is the foundation of civil disputes in Indian courts. It governs non-criminal legal matters involving property, contracts, loans, inheritance, marriage, and family issues. CPC provides a detailed framework for how a civil case should begin, how notices are served, what evidence is admissible, how arguments are presented, and how final judgments are delivered and enforced. It ensures a fair, standardized legal process across the country to protect and implement civil rights effectively.

How it impacts you: Whether you are involved in a property dispute, facing an unfair eviction, or dealing with a breach of contract, the CPC gives you a clear legal route to assert your rights. It ensures that your case will be heard fairly, with equal opportunity for both parties to present their side, and with legal backing for the final judgment.

Example: If your landlord attempts to evict you without proper notice or legal grounds, you can challenge the eviction in a civil court. Similarly, if a property buyer fails to pay the agreed amount after signing a sale agreement, you can sue them under CPC provisions. In both cases, the court follows the rules outlined in the CPC to conduct hearings, evaluate evidence, and enforce the verdict.

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4. Income Tax Act, 1961

This law governs income taxation in India and outlines the rules for tax calculations, deductions, exemptions, and compliance. It applies to all individuals and entities earning income within the country, including salaried professionals, freelancers, businesses, and corporations. The Act ensures a structured method of collecting revenue that helps fund national development and public welfare initiatives.

How it impacts you: If you are earning money—whether through a job, business, or investments—you must pay tax as per the slabs and conditions defined in this law. The Act also allows you to reduce your taxable income legally by claiming deductions under various sections, which promotes savings and responsible financial planning.

Example: If a salaried employee earns ₹10 lakhs annually, you can use Section 80C of the Act to claim deductions by investing in instruments like Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) policies or Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). Based on this law, your employer deducts tax at source (TDS), and you must file an income tax return accordingly. Failure to follow these rules can result in penalties or legal action.

Also Read: Corporate Tax: What is it & How It Works?

5. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act transformed India’s indirect tax system by combining taxes such as VAT, service tax, and excise duty into a single unified tax. It applies uniformly across the country to businesses involved in the supply of goods or services, including manufacturers, traders, freelancers, and service providers. The GST system is designed to make tax compliance easier, reduce the cascading effect of multiple taxes, and ensure a transparent, streamlined taxation process.

How it impacts you: If you run a business that sells goods or provides services, GST affects how you price your products, collect customer taxes, and report earnings to the government. Whether you’re a retailer, event planner, or online seller, you must comply with GST regulations once your revenue crosses the prescribed threshold.

Example: Suppose you run a bakery and your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs. Under the GST Act, you must register for GST, charge a fixed GST rate on every product you sell, issue GST-compliant customer invoices, and file monthly returns through the GST portal. This law ensures uniform taxation across India and helps reduce tax-on-tax costs.

6. Companies Act, 2013

The Companies Act, 2013, is the foundational law that governs the incorporation, operation, regulation, and closure of companies in India. It lays down detailed provisions on how companies must be structured and managed, covering aspects such as the responsibilities of directors, rights of shareholders, legal disclosures, and corporate governance practices. This law ensures transparency and accountability in the functioning of businesses, whether they are startups or large corporations.

How it impacts you: If you decide to start a business and register it as a Private Limited Company, this Act becomes your rulebook. It requires you to maintain a board of directors, hold regular board and shareholder meetings, file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), and comply with audit requirements. Failure to follow these rules can lead to penalties, fines, or even the disqualification of directors.

Example: Suppose you launch a tech startup and register it as a company under this law. You must appoint at least two directors, ensure proper bookkeeping, and file compliance reports like the annual return (Form MGT-7) and financials (Form AOC-4) every year. Missing these steps can result in late fees or legal action from regulatory authorities.

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7. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

This law governs marriage, divorce, and related personal matters for individuals belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. It outlines the essential conditions for a legally valid marriage, including age, consent, and monogamy. It also provides the legal framework for seeking divorce, claiming alimony, and determining the custody of children in case of separation. The Act ensures that both spouses have legal protection and that their rights and responsibilities are clearly defined under personal law.

How it impacts you: If you belong to one of the covered communities and are planning to get married or are facing a marital dispute, this Act outlines your rights and the legal procedures you must follow. It ensures that issues like cruelty, desertion, or incompatibility are addressed in a structured legal manner and provides recourse for individuals seeking divorce or maintenance.

Example: If a Hindu couple is facing serious marital problems and one spouse alleges cruelty by the other, they can file for divorce under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The court will then assess the evidence, decide on the dissolution of marriage, and determine matters such as alimony and child custody based on the case's merits and the child's welfare.

8. Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937

This law allows Muslims in India to be governed by Islamic principles in personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. It ensures that followers of Islam can practice their religious beliefs in family-related legal issues, rather than being bound by secular or uniform civil laws.

How it impacts you: If you are a Muslim, your rights and obligations in personal matters like divorce, property division, and family maintenance will be handled according to Islamic law, as recognized by this Act. It offers a separate legal route tailored to your faith and traditions.

Example: Suppose a Muslim woman wants to initiate a divorce through khula (a form of divorce initiated by the wife). She can approach a Qazi or the court, and the process will be governed under this Act based on Islamic jurisprudence. Likewise, when a Muslim man passes away, his property is distributed among heirs according to Sharia rules rather than the Hindu Succession Act or Indian Succession Act.

9. Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

The Right to Information Act is a powerful law that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities, including government departments, municipalities, and public sector undertakings. Its primary goal is to promote transparency and accountability in governance by giving people the legal right to question how public resources are used and decisions are made.

How it impacts you: This law puts you in a position to demand transparency. Whether you’re concerned about local development, delayed services, or unexplained decisions by a government body, you can file an RTI application. You are entitled to receive a formal response within a specified timeframe.

Example: Suppose a road construction project in your neighborhood has been stalled for months. Under the RTI Act, you can request details such as the total funds sanctioned, how much has been spent so far, who the contractor is, and the reasons for the delay. With this information, you are better equipped to demand accountability from the concerned officials.

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10. Consumer Protection Act, 2019

This law protects consumers' interests against unfair trade practices, defective products, substandard services, and misleading advertisements. It empowers buyers to seek redressal when their rights are violated, ensuring seller, manufacturer, and service provider accountability. The Act also introduces provisions for e-commerce, product liability, and faster resolution through Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at the district, state, and national levels.

How it impacts you: This law ensures you are not exploited whether you shop online or offline. If you receive a faulty product, are overcharged, or are misled by advertising, you have the legal right to file a complaint and seek compensation or a refund.

Example: Suppose you order a branded smartphone from an online marketplace but receive a counterfeit product instead. Under this Act, you can file a complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Based on the evidence, the Commission can order the seller to issue a full refund or replacement and may also award compensation for the inconvenience caused.

11. Environment Protection Act, 1986

This law was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to establish a comprehensive framework for protecting and improving the environment. It empowers the central government to take strict measures to control pollution, regulate industrial activity, and safeguard public health and ecological balance. The Act allows for inspections, closure of polluting units, and imposes penalties on those who violate environmental norms.

How it impacts you: The Act ensures that factories and industries operate within legal environmental limits, protecting your community from harmful emissions, contaminated water, and unsafe waste disposal. It gives citizens and environmental groups the power to hold polluters accountable.

Example: If a nearby factory illegally releases untreated chemical waste into a local river, you or a concerned NGO can report the violation to the Pollution Control Board. Based on this law, the authorities can investigate, penalize the factory, and even shut it down if necessary.

12. Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

The Information Technology Act was introduced to address legal issues arising from the digital age. It defines and penalizes cybercrimes such as hacking, phishing, data theft, identity fraud, and cyberstalking. It also grants legal recognition to electronic documents and digital signatures, making online transactions and contracts enforceable by law. This law is crucial in securing India’s digital infrastructure and protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats.

How it impacts you: The IT Act protects your personal and financial information digitally. If someone commits a cybercrime against you, such as hacking your email, stealing your banking credentials, or harassing you online, you have legal recourse under this Act.

Example: If someone gains unauthorized access to your debit card details online and uses them to make fraudulent transactions, you can file a complaint with the cybercrime unit. The offense may be registered under Section 43 (unauthorized access and data theft) and Section 66 (hacking) of the IT Act. These provisions allow authorities to investigate the incident and take action against the offender.

13. Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999

The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulates all foreign exchange and cross-border payment transactions. Its main goal is to facilitate external trade and payments while maintaining the stability of India’s financial system. FEMA ensures that foreign investments and currency movements are transparent, legal, and aligned with national economic policies. It applies to individuals, companies, and organizations engaging in international financial dealings.

How it impacts you: Whether receiving foreign investment, sending money abroad, or conducting international business, FEMA ensures your transaction is conducted legally and does not harm the country’s financial interests. It also helps prevent money laundering and illegal capital flow.

Example: If your startup receives funding from a U.S.-based investor, you must report the transaction to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The funds must be routed through authorized banking channels. You also need to follow foreign investment limits and maintain proper documentation. Failure to comply can lead to penalties or restrictions.

14. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996

This law provides a legal framework for resolving disputes outside the traditional courtroom, particularly in commercial contracts and civil matters. It encourages parties to settle their disagreements through arbitration or conciliation, which are faster, less formal, and more cost-effective than regular litigation. The Act promotes efficiency and confidentiality in dispute resolution and helps reduce the burden on courts.

How it impacts you: If you are involved in a business or contractual agreement and a dispute arises, this Act allows you to resolve the issue through an agreed-upon arbitrator rather than filing a lawsuit. This saves time and money and provides a binding and enforceable resolution without lengthy court proceedings.

Example: Suppose two companies enter into a service agreement, and later one party fails to deliver as promised. Instead of going to court, both companies can appoint an independent arbitrator to review the case and make a final decision. This decision is enforceable under the law and guided by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 procedures.

15. Special Marriage Act, 1954

This Act provides a legal pathway for individuals to marry under civil law, regardless of religion or faith. It is especially important for interfaith couples or those who prefer a secular marriage without any religious rituals or conversions. The Act promotes personal freedom and protects the legal rights of couples who marry outside traditional customs.

How it impacts you: If you and your partner belong to different religions or want a marriage not bound by religious practices, this Act allows you to marry legally with equal rights and recognition across India.

Example: A Hindu woman and a Muslim man can marry under the Special Marriage Act by registering their marriage at the district marriage registrar’s office in the presence of witnesses. Their union will be legally recognized without any religious ceremony or conversion.

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Now that we've covered central laws, let’s examine state laws, focusing on Telangana as an example to understand how states create their own legal rules based on local priorities.

State Laws in India: Diverse Legal Frameworks Across States

India follows a quasi-federal structure, allowing both the central and state governments to create various types of law in India based on national and regional priorities. While central laws apply uniformly across the country, State Laws vary from one state to another based on local governance needs, culture, resources, and administrative requirements.

Each state legislature is empowered to make laws on subjects under the State List and Concurrent List of the Constitution, such as land rights, police, public health, agriculture, education, and local taxes. This results in variations in legal rules between states.

For instance:

• Maharashtra has a Rent Control Act that is different from Delhi’s.
• Unlike many northern states, Kerala has a Land Reforms Act that limits landholding size.
• Tamil Nadu regulates professional tax separately from Karnataka.
• Gujarat and Bihar have prohibition laws banning alcohol, while other states do not.
• West Bengal follows its Tenancy laws, which are distinct from those of Uttar Pradesh.

This shows how different types of law in India lead to variations. What’s legal in one state may be restricted in another.

Let’s take an example: Telangana.

Telangana, formed in 2014, has developed its legal systems, contributing to the evolving types of law in India at the state level. While Central Laws still apply, Telangana has enacted and adapted several laws to meet its unique socio-economic needs.

1. Telangana Land Revenue Act, 2016

This law governs the administration of land records, revenue collection, and maintenance of ownership documents. It replaced the outdated Andhra Pradesh laws with a simplified and technology-driven system.

How it impacts you: As a landowner or buyer in Telangana, your property details are maintained digitally, reducing the chances of fraud or duplication.

Example: If you purchase agricultural land in Telangana, your ownership is updated in the Dharani portal, ensuring transparent registration and access to records.

2. Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019

This Act reflects how the types of law in India adapt for effective urban governance and address city-level issues. It mandates rules for property tax, building permissions, waste management, and citizen services.

How it impacts you: Urban residents get faster services through online platforms and accountability for delays in municipal services.

Example: If your local municipality delays waste clearance, you can file a complaint online and receive service within a time-bound period as per the Act.

3. Telangana State Panchayat Raj Act, 2018

This law illustrates how state-specific types of law in India govern rural local bodies and define their service roles in sanitation, water supply, road maintenance, and regional disputes.

How it impacts you: If you live in a rural area, this law regulates your local governance and services like drainage and water.

Example: If a village road is damaged, the panchayat is responsible for repairs and can allocate funds directly under this Act.

4. Telangana State Public Employment (Reservation for SC, ST, BC and EWS) Act, 2021

This law provides enhanced reservations in public employment to historically disadvantaged communities, including a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

How it impacts you: If you belong to the EWS or a backwards class in Telangana, this law gives you additional opportunities in state government jobs.

Example: If you come from an EWS background and apply for a government job, you're eligible under the 10% EWS quota and the existing SC/ST/BC quotas.

5. Telangana Shops and Establishments Act, 1988 (as amended)

This falls under labor-specific types of law in India, regulating wages, holidays, and working conditions across commercial establishments in Telangana.

How it impacts you: As an employee or employer in Telangana, this law defines your work hours, leave benefits, and wage entitlements.

Example: If you work at a retail store, the law entitles you to one weekly holiday and limits your working hours to nine per day.

6. Telangana State Building Permission Approval and Self-Certification System (TS-bPASS) Act, 2020

This Act simplifies building permissions for individual houses and small constructions by introducing automatic approvals.

How it impacts you: If you're building a home under 75 sq. yards in Telangana, you can get instant permission without visiting government offices.

Example: A person constructing a small house in Warangal can upload plans on TS-bPASS and receive approval digitally within minutes.

7. Telangana State Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017

These rules implement RERA in the state, regulating real estate developers and ensuring consumer protection in housing projects.

How it impacts you: Project registration and transparency protect homebuyers against project delays and fraud.

Example: If a builder delays handing over your flat in Hyderabad, you can file a complaint under Telangana RERA and seek compensation.

8. Telangana Forest Rights Act (as implemented under FRA, 2006)

While the FRA is a central law, Telangana has issued state-level rules to recognize the land rights of Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers.

How it impacts you: If you're a tribal farmer cultivating forest land in Telangana, this law can legally recognize your land rights.

Example: Under this law, a tribal family in Adilabad gets legal ownership of the forest land they’ve been cultivating for generations.

9. Telangana Prohibition of Smoking and Health Protection Act, 2002

This state-specific law complements national tobacco laws by declaring no-smoking zones and penalizing violators.

How it impacts you: Smoking is banned in public places like restaurants, offices, and hospitals in Telangana.

Example: If someone smokes in a hospital lobby in Hyderabad, authorities can fine them under this Act.

10. Telangana Prohibition of Drunken Driving and Regulation of Use of Safety Belts and Helmets Act, 2014

This law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol and mandates using safety belts and helmets. It sets clear penalties and enforcement mechanisms for violating these safety standards.

How it impacts you: In Telangana, drivers and passengers are legally required to wear helmets if riding two-wheelers and seatbelts in cars. Driving intoxicated or failing to use these safety devices can result in fines or other penalties.

Example: If you're riding a motorcycle in Hyderabad without wearing a helmet or driving after drinking alcohol, police can impose a fine and possibly suspend your license under this Act.

Levels of Law in India: How Power is Divided Between Centre and States?

India follows a federal structure, where the central and State Governments have the power to make laws on various subjects. The Indian Constitution guides this division of law-making authority through the Seventh Schedule, a constitutional framework that categorizes subjects into the Union, the State, and the Concurrent List. Each defines who (Centre or State) can legislate on which matters.

• Union List: Only Parliament can make laws (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, railways)
• State List: Only State Legislatures can make laws (e.g., police, public health)
• Concurrent List: Both Parliament and States can legislate (e.g., marriage, education)

Central laws apply uniformly across all states, while State laws apply only within a specific state unless adopted elsewhere.

Here is a detailed breakdown of how Central and State Laws differ in India, helping you understand which authority governs what and how it impacts you.

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Now that you have a clear picture of central and state laws, you're better equipped to navigate legal matters in everyday life. Let’s see how upGrad can help you take the next step in mastering legal knowledge and making informed decisions.

How Can upGrad Help You Understand India’s Legal System with Confidence?

India’s legal system covers various laws, each serving a specific purpose. Major types include constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, corporate law, tax law, labor law, environmental law, and cyber law. Key legislations like the Indian Penal Code, Contract Act, and Information Technology Act define how these laws work. States also have laws and policies, such as the Telangana Cyber Security Policy. These legal categories shape rights, responsibilities, and justice in personal, professional, and public life.

You don’t need a law degree to understand how these laws work. Proper guidance lets you grasp and apply key legal concepts when they matter most. upGrad’s industry-relevant programs make legal learning accessible and practical.

Here are some additional law and public policy courses to build a strong foundation:

• Merger and Control Rights
• Soft Skills for Lawyers
• Constitutional Litigation

Not sure how concepts like constitutional law, cyber law, or labor regulations impact your career or business? Connect with upGrad’s expert counselors or drop by your nearest upGrad offline center to discover a personalized learning path aligned with your goals.

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Reference:
https://indiajusticereport.org/