CHAPTER XIX: TRIAL BEFORE A COURT OF SESSION This chapter begins the step-by-step procedure for a trial in the Sessions Court (for serious crimes like murder, rape, etc., that have been “committed” under Section 232). Section 248: Trial to be conducted by Public Prosecutor Section 249: Opening case for prosecution Section 250: Discharge This is
CHAPTER XVIII: THE CHARGE This chapter explains the “Charge,” which is the formal, written document of accusation created by the court. It is the foundation of the trial. Section 234: Contents of charge Section 235: Particulars as to time, place and person Section 236: When manner of committing offence must be stated Section 237: Words
CHAPTER XVII: COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE MAGISTRATES Section 227: Issue of process Section 228: Magistrate may dispense with personal attendance of accused Section 229: Special summons in cases of petty offence Section 230: Supply to accused of copy of police report and other documents This is one of the most important sections for ensuring a
CHAPTER XVI: COMPLAINTS TO MAGISTRATES This chapter explains the process for “private complaints” – when a citizen bypasses the police and files a criminal case directly with a Magistrate. Section 223: Examination of complainant Section 224: Procedure by Magistrate not competent to take cognizance of case Section 225: Postponement of issue of process Section 226:
CHAPTER XV: CONDITIONS REQUISITE FOR INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS This chapter explains the “ignition” of the criminal court system. “Taking cognizance” is the moment a Magistrate formally applies their mind to a case and decides to start the judicial process. Section 210: Cognizance of offences by Magistrate Section 211: Transfer on application of accused Section 212:
CHAPTER XIV: JURISDICTION OF THE CRIMINAL COURTS IN INQUIRIES AND TRIALS This chapter answers the question: “Which court in which city has the power to hold this trial?” Section 197: Ordinary place of inquiry and trial Section 198: Place of inquiry or trial (Exceptions for Uncertainty) This section provides flexibility when it’s unclear where the
CHAPTER XIII: INFORMATION TO THE POLICE AND THEIR POWERS TO INVESTIGATE This is one of the most important chapters. It explains how a criminal case is officially started (the FIR) and what powers the police have to investigate it. Section 173: Information in cognizable cases (This is the First Information Report or FIR) Section 174:
CHAPTER XII: PREVENTIVE ACTION OF THE POLICE This short chapter outlines the basic duty and powers of the police to stop crimes from happening. Section 168: Police to prevent cognizable offences Section 169: Information of design to commit cognizable offences Section 170: Arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offences Section 171: Prevention of injury to
CHAPTER XI: MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND TRANQUILLITY Section 148: Dispersal of assembly by use of civil force Section 149: Use of armed forces to disperse assembly Section 150: Power of certain armed force officers to disperse assembly Section 151: Protection against prosecution for acts done under sections 148, 149 and 150 B. Public nuisances
CHAPTER X: ORDER FOR MAINTENANCE OF WIVES, CHILDREN AND PARENTS Section 144: Order for maintenance of wives, children and parents Section 145: Procedure Section 146: Alteration in allowance Section 147: Enforcement of order of maintenance
