■ PREFACE. The Penal Code was originally prepared by the Indian Law Commissioners when Mr. Macaulay was the President of that body, and was laid before the Governor-General of India in Council in the year 1837. The Code was enacted by the Legislative Council in the year 1860, with some * important changes, but without any substantial alteration in the frame-work or phraseology of the original Code, Until the law has received a construction from those who have authority to expound it, it is hoped that these notes on the text of the Code may be foimd useful. They are, for the most part, compiled from the following authorities : — The notes in which the framers of the original Code explain the principles adopted in its preparation ; T^e Reports (1846-1847) of the Indian Law Commissioners, Messrs. Cameron and Eliott, on the original Code ;
