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Indian law refers to the system of law which operates in India.
It is largely based on English common law.
Various Acts introduced by the British are still in effect in modified form today.
Much of contemporary Indian law shows substantial European and American influence.
History of Indian law
Ancient India represented a distinct tradition of law.
India had an historically independent school of legal theory and practice.
The Arthashastra, dating from 400 BC, and the Manusmriti, from 100 AD, were influential treatises in India.
Manu's central philosophy was tolerance and pluralism, and was cited across Southeast Asia.
Source of Law
Primary Source:
The primary source of law is in the enactments passed by the Parliament or the State Legislatures.
The President and the Governor have limited powers to issue ordinances.
These ordinances lapse six weeks from the re-assembly of the Parliament or the State Legislature.
Secondary Source:
Secondary source of law is the judgments of the Supreme Court, High Courts and some of the specialised Tribunals.
The Constitution provides that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within India.
Constitution of India
