<P> The law of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are largely based on English common law because of the long period of British colonial influence during the period of the British Raj . </P> <P> Ancient India represented a distinct tradition of law, and had an historically independent school of legal theory and practice . The Arthashastra, dating from 400 BCE and the Manusmriti, from 100 CE, were influential treatises in India, texts that were considered authoritative legal guidance . Manu's central philosophy was tolerance and pluralism, and was cited across Southeast Asia . Early in this period, which finally culminated in the creation of the Gupta Empire, relations with ancient Greece and Rome were not infrequent . The appearance of similar fundamental institutions of international law in various parts of the world show that they are inherent in international society, irrespective of culture and tradition . Inter-State relations in the pre-Islamic period resulted in clear - cut rules of warfare of a high humanitarian standard, in rules of neutrality, of treaty law, of customary law embodied in religious charters, in exchange of embassies of a temporary or semi-permanent character . </P> <P> When India became part of the British Empire, there was a break in tradition, and Hindu and Islamic law were supplanted by the common law . After the failed rebellion against the British in 1857, the British Parliament took over control of India from the British East India Company, and British India came under the direct rule of the Crown . The British Parliament passed the Government of India Act of 1858 to this effect, which set up the structure of British government in India . It established in Britain the office of the Secretary of State for India through whom the Parliament would exercise its rule, along with a Council of India to aid him . It also established the office of the Governor - General of India along with an Executive Council in India, which consisted of high officials of the British Government . As a result, the present judicial system of the country derives largely from the British system and has little correlation to the institutions of the pre-British era . </P> <P> Post-partition, India retained its common law system . Much of contemporary Indian law shows substantial European and American influence . Legislation first introduced by the British is still in effect in modified form today . During the drafting of the Indian Constitution, laws from Ireland, the United States, Britain, and France were all synthesized to produce a refined set of Indian laws . Indian laws also adhere to the United Nations guidelines on human rights law and environmental law . Certain international trade laws, such as those on intellectual property, are also enforced in India . </P>

In contrast to laws enacted by legislatures common law is based on