The general provisions relating to punishments for different offences have been set out in Chapter III of the Indian Penal Code. A graded system of punishment has been provided under the Code to suit the different of offences for which the offenders are accountable. Subject to the nature and gravity of the offence, the Code provides for six types of punishments to be administered to the persons convicted of a crime under the Code which include Death Sentence, Imprisonment for Life, Simple Imprisonment, Rigorous Imprisonment with hard labour, Forfeiture of property and Fine. By virtue of the Whipping Act of 1864, the corporal punishment of whipping was added in the Code as a punishment for certain offences. It was subsequently abolished due to its inhuman and cruel nature. It has been further stated in the Code that any reference to the sentence of “transportation for life” under any other law shall be construed as “imprisonment for life”. The Code provides that a person can be imprisoned for failure to pay fines, and there may be an imposition of solitary confinement up to three months' during rare rigorous imprisonment sentences. There is provision of Commutation for death and life sentences.
