The law system that is operational in India is called Indian laws. Most of the provisions in Indian judiciary system are influenced by ancient texts including Arthshastra and Manusmriti. Just like Indian constitution, a large part of these provisions has been drawn from some popular laws of western countries. The Indian constitution itself is a great source of laws that are in effect in the country and there are bodies that issue certain rules to be followed by each and every Indian.

Indian law system is considered to be one of the most complex law systems in the world. The reason lies in its being borrowed from so many countries across the globe. The prime aim of the system is to assure justice and equality to each and every Indian citizen. Each law is also expected to promote democratic values and a liberal society in India.

A few prime branches of Indian law are as follow-

Administrative Laws

Administrative laws deal with the issues that fall under the domain of public legislation. These laws ensure the effective working of all the government bodies that are responsible for decision-making and have a deep impact upon the public. These bodies primarily include different types of tribunals, boards, and special commissions.

Family Laws

Family laws are an important stream of Indian laws that deliver justice to each and every Indian on the basis of his religion. There are 3 major branches of family laws in India- Hindu Laws, Christian laws and Muslim laws. These laws are very closely related to personal disputes including guardianship, marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption of children. For these matters you can consult our divorce lawyers or use our court marriage in Delhi service.

Criminal Laws

Criminal laws in India are formed to punish those who are found guilty of committing criminal offences. The main criminal code of India is now the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024 and replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. Alongside it, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaced the Indian Evidence Act. Most of the cases pending in Indian courts are of a criminal nature. Our criminal lawyers in Delhi advise on bail, FIRs and trials under these new codes.

Civil Laws

Civil laws in India deal with the cases and disputes that are of a non-criminal nature. These include ownership of property, formation and breach of contracts, issues of child custody and the disputes related to business partnerships etc. All civil laws have come into existence with a view to protect peoples’ personal and intellectual properties. Our civil lawyers in Delhi handle such matters, including real estate and property disputes and partnership disputes.

Labour Laws

Labour laws in India protect workers’ rights and take care of their welfare. Be it a Govt. employee or a private one, one is free to raise his voice against any atrocity and injustice done to him by anyone. Labour laws ensure that no person who gives his services to an individual or a company should remain deprived of what he deserves. This area has recently been overhauled: the four Labour Codes (the Code on Wages 2019, the Industrial Relations Code 2020, the Code on Social Security 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020) came into force on 21 November 2025, consolidating 29 earlier central labour laws. Employers also have duties under the law on prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Indian law and its key branches at a glance