Except in the [Chapters] and sections mentioned in clauses 2 and 3 of this section, the word “offence” denotes a thing made punishable by this Code. In Chapter IV, [Chapter VA] and in the following sections, namely, sections 64, 65, 66, 67, 71, 109, 110, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, *[118, 119 and 120] 187, 194, 195, 203, 211, 213, 214, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 347, 348, 388, 389 and 445, the word “offence” denotes a thing punishable under this Code, or under any special or local law as hereinafter defined. And in sections 141, 176, 177, 201, 202, 212, 216 and 441, the word “offence” has the same meaning when the thing punishable under the special or local law is punishable under such law with imprisonment for a term of six months or upwards, whether with or without fine. *[Inserted vide Information Technology Amendment Act, 2008]
Section41-Special law
A “special law” is a law applicable to a particular subject.
Section42 – Local law.
A “local law” is a law applicable only to a particular part of India.
Section43 – Illegal. Legally bound to do.
The word “illegal” is applicable to everything which is an offence or which is prohibited by law, or which furnishes ground for a civil action; and a person is said to be “legally bound to do” whatever it is illegal in him to omit.
Section44 – Injury.
The word “injury” denotes any harm whatever illegally caused to any person, in body, mind, reputation or property.
Section45 – Life.
The word “life” denotes the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context.
Section46-Death.
The word “death” denotes the death of a human being unless the contrary appears from the context.
Section47 – Animal.
The word “animal” denotes any living creature, other than a human being.
Section48 – Vessel.
The word “vessel” denotes anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property.
Section49 – Year. Month.
Wherever the word “year” or the word “month” is used, it is to be understood that the year or the month is to be reckoned according to the British calendar.