Section 1: Short Title, Extent and Commencement

Overview

Section 1 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is essentially the introductory clause of the law. It formally names the Act, defines where in India it applies, and clarifies when it officially became operational. It’s a foundational section, setting the stage for the rest of the Act’s provisions.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The Act is officially called the “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.”
• Extent: This Act applies to the whole of India, meaning it’s a nationwide law.
• Commencement: The Act came into force on the date the government officially notified it. This means it didn’t start operating immediately upon being passed by Parliament; a specific date was announced for its implementation.

Practical Impact

This section doesn’t directly impact citizens in a day-to-day sense. However, it establishes the legal basis for all subsequent sections of the Act. Knowing the Act’s extent (whole of India) is crucial for understanding that the protections against animal cruelty apply uniformly across the country. The commencement date is important for legal arguments – for example, determining if a particular action was illegal *under this Act* depends on whether it occurred after the notification date.

Examples

• Example 1: If a person commits an act of cruelty to an animal in Delhi in 2024, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, can be applied because the Act’s extent covers the whole of India.
• Example 2: A case involving animal cruelty occurred in 1959. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, would *not* apply to that case, as the Act hadn’t been notified into force yet. The case would be governed by any existing laws applicable at that time.