Comprehensive Digest on Criminal Minor Acts (1980-2024)

This is a comprehensive digest on Criminal Minor Acts that covers judgments from 1980-2024, focusing on key legislations beyond the core criminal laws (IPC/BNS, CrPC/BNSS, IEA/BSA), covering offences that are criminal in nature but dealt with under special or minor Acts:

Nature and Scope:

Minor criminal acts refer to special statutes that define specific offences, often regulatory in nature and prescribe distinct procedures for investigation, prosecution and punishment. They are substantive penal laws, many of which have been enacted or amended between 1980 and 2024 to address emerging forms of crime.

Classification of Minor Criminal Acts:

1. Economic Offences: These involve financial or white-collar crimes, usually affecting the economy or public trust.
   1. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
   2. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
   3. The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)
   4. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988
   5. The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) Act, 2015
2. Social Offences: Offences that impact public health, morality, or social welfare.
   1. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
   2. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
   3. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
   4. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
3. Public Welfare & Safety: Laws ensuring the protection of the environment, public health, and overall safety.
   1. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
   2. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS)
   3. The Arms Act, 1959
   4. The Explosives Act, 1884
4. Regulatory Offences: Regulate trade, commerce, and administrative compliance.
   1. The Essential Commodities Act, 1955
   2. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
   3. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
   4. The Legal Metrology Act, 2009
5. Cyber and Technology-Related Offences: Focus on emerging digital crimes.
   1. The Information Technology Act, 2000
   2. The Telecommunication Act (as applicable)
6. Security and Anti-terror Laws: Handle crimes related to national security and terrorism.
   1. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA)
   2. The National Security Act, 1980
   3. The Official Secrets Act, 1923

These acts are often used in conjunction with the IPC/ BNS and the CrPC/ BNSS and are enforceable by both central and state authorities, depending on jurisdiction.