Interpretation clause

Q: When did Section 1 of the Police Act come into force?

Section 1 of the Police Act, cited as Police Act 1861 1, came into force on 22 Mar 1861, having been enacted on 22 Mar 1861. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 22 Mar 1861 Act 5 of 1861 As on 21 Oct 2026

Act 5 of 1861 Ministry Home Affairs Enacted 22 Mar 1861 In force 22 Mar 1861 Cited by 1 provision

Section 1 of the Police Act, 1861 deals with interpretation clause. The following words and expressions in this Act shall have the meaning assigned to them, unless there be something in the subject or context repugnant to such construction, that is to say-- the words "Magistrate of the district" shall mean the chief officer charged with the executive administration The Act came into force on 22 Mar 1861.

The following words and expressions in this Act shall have the meaning assigned to them, unless there be something in the subject or context repugnant to such construction, that is to say--
the words "Magistrate of the district" shall mean the chief officer charged with the executive administration of a district and exercising the powers of a Magistrate, by whatever designation the chief officer charged with such executive administration is styled:
the word " Magistrate" shall include all persons within the general police-district, exercising all or any of the power of a Magistrate:
the word "police" shall include all persons who shall be enrolled under this Act:
the words "general police-district" shall embrace any¹ presidency, ² [State] or place, or any part of any presidency, ³ [State] or place, in which this Act shall be ordered to take effect:
⁴ [the words "District Superintendent" and "District Superintendent of Police" shall include any Assistant District Superintendent or other person appointed by general or special order of the ⁵[State] Government] to perform all or any of the duties of a District Superintendent of Police under this Act in any district:]
the word "property" shall include any moveable property money, or valuable security:
⁶ * * * * *
the word "person" shall include a company or corporation:
the word "month" shall mean a calendar month:
⁷ the word "cattle" shall, besides horned cattle, include elephants, camels, horses, asses, mules, sheep, goats and swine.
⁸ [References to the subordinate ranks of a police force shall be construed as references to members of that force below the rank of Deputy Superintendent.]
Section 1, The Police Act, 1861 (Act 5 of 1861).

Cross-references

Extracted from the operative text of the enactments themselves. Every destination below exists in our corpus.

Referred to by 1

West Bengal Police Act s. 2

Questions about Section 1

What does Section 1 of the Police Act deal with?

Section 1 of the Police Act is headed "Interpretation clause". The following words and expressions in this Act shall have the meaning assigned to them, unless there be something in the subject or context repugnant to such construction, that is to say-- the words "Magistrate of the district" shall mean the chief officer charged with the executive administration

How do I find court cases under Section 1 of the Police Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Police Act 1861 1, section 1 Police Act 1861, section 1 of the Police Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

What should I read with Section 1 of the Police Act, and has it changed?

1 other provision in this corpus refers back to it.

When did Section 1 of the Police Act come into force?

Section 1 of the Police Act, cited as Police Act 1861 1, came into force on 22 Mar 1861, having been enacted on 22 Mar 1861. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 21 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.