Indian Law

I created this Libguide for Part 1 of the AALL program title: "The Ins and Outs of India Legal Research: Learning How to Find India Primary and Secondary Law". The object of this guide is to introduce the Primary and Secondary resources related to Ancient Indian Law, Medieval and British Laws. Additionally, it also includes the Hierarchy of the courts.

Legal History of India

Law in India evolved from religious texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads and Hindu philosophical schools. Indian legal history begins in the Vedic ages, and a civil law system may have started during the Indus Valley civilization.

Ancient Hindu Law

The Ancient Hindu Law is one of the oldest systems in the world. Its origin is from Vedas and Dharmashastra. Law is based on religion, with the scholars of the Vedas and Dharmashastra played a major role. Mediation and conciliation are mainly used to resolve disputes. 

Islamic Law

The 12th century AD is the beginning of a long period of Islamic dominance, first in North India and during the Mugul's it is almost the entire subcontinent. It became part of the country's legal system. Islamic law is based on religious believes such as Hindu Law. 

Law during British rule

India inherited the common law system from British colonization. During that period, the Privy Council as the highest court of appeal contributed to the formation of different court systems. Under the first Law Commission, the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure were drafted, enacted, and brought into force. The Commission also drafted Evidence Act and Contracts Act.