Question

Explain the different categories of cases that fall under the jurisdiction of Criminal Court.

Answer 1

Criminal Courts: From 31st March, 1973, a new Criminal Procedure Act came into effect. Criminal Courts deal with criminal cases. These courts are divided into four categories:

1. The Session Courts: The Session Court is the highest Criminal Court in a district. The District Judge of the Civil Court also works as the Session Judge. Cases of murder, dacoity, and of the sort are heard by the Sessions Judge. He can award Capital punishment subject to the approval of the High Court.
2. Court of Judicial Magistrates of First Class: Below Session Court there is the Court of Judicial Magistrates of first class. It heairs the appeals against the decisions of the second class Judicial Magistrates.
3. Court-of the Judicial Magistrate of Second Class: The Second Class Magistrate can try cases involving imprisonment up to six months and fines upto Rs. 200/- or both. He enjoys Original jurisdiction in all cases which come to him in the first instance.
4. Court of the Judicial Magistrate of Third Class: A Magistrate of this Court hears criminal cases of simple or individual quarrels and cases of rioting. He can award imprisonment for not more than one month and a fine upto Rs. 50.