Code of Criminal Procedure 1973

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) is the primary procedural law governing criminal cases in India. It lays down the procedure for investigation, trial, bail, appeals, and execution of sentences. Below is a detailed section-wise breakdown of CrPC, along with explanations and key case laws.

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) – Section-Wise Breakdown

Chapter 1: Preliminary (Sections 1-5)

Section 1: Short title, extent, and commencement of the CrPC.
Section 2: Definitions of key terms such as bailable offense, charge, cognizable offense, police report, warrant, summons, etc.
Section 3: Construction of references to magistrates and authorities.
Section 4: Applicability of CrPC to offenses under IPC and special laws.
Section 5: Application of special laws in case of conflict with CrPC.

Chapter 2: Constitution of Criminal Courts and Offices (Sections 6-25)

Section 6: Types of Criminal Courts – Sessions Court, Magistrate’s Court, Special Courts.
Section 7-11: Hierarchy and establishment of courts.
Section 12-18: Powers and appointment of magistrates.
Section 19-25: Executive magistrates, jurisdiction, and police administration.

Chapter 3: Power of Courts (Sections 26-35)

Section 26: Courts by which offenses are triable.
Section 27: Juvenile cases to be handled by special courts.
Section 28-30: Sentencing powers of different courts.
Section 31-35: Concurrent jurisdiction and cases involving multiple offenses.

Chapter 4: Pre-Trial Proceedings – Arrest, Bail, and Investigation (Sections 36-60)

Arrest and Rights of Accused

Section 41: When police may arrest without a warrant (cognizable offenses).
Section 41A: Notice before arrest in certain cases to prevent unnecessary detentions.
Section 42-44: Arrest by private persons and magistrates.
Section 46: Mode of arrest – Use of force permitted only when necessary.
Section 50: Right of an arrested person to know the reasons for arrest.
Section 50A: Right to inform a family member or friend.
Section 54: Medical examination of arrested persons (especially in custodial cases).

Bail Provisions

Section 436: Bail for bailable offenses (granted as a right).
Section 437: Bail for non-bailable offenses (discretionary power of the court).
Section 438: Anticipatory Bail – Protection from arrest before FIR is filed.
Section 439: High Court/Sessions Court powers to grant bail.

Investigation Process

Section 154: Filing of FIR (First Information Report).
Section 156: Power of police to investigate.
Section 161: Statement of witnesses by police.
Section 164: Confession before a magistrate (to prevent forced confessions).
Section 167: Remand provisions – Police can seek custody up to 15 days.

Chapter 5: Trials and Court Procedures (Sections 190-265)

Types of Trials

Session Trials (Sections 225-237) – For serious crimes like murder, rape, terrorism.
Warrant Cases (Sections 238-250) – For offenses punishable by more than 2 years.
Summons Cases (Sections 251-259) – For minor offenses.
Summary Trials (Sections 260-265) – For petty offenses (quick disposal).

Key Provisions

Section 200: Examination of complainant before taking cognizance.
Section 207: Accused is entitled to copies of FIR, charge sheet, and evidence.
Section 227: Discharge of accused if evidence is insufficient.
Section 239: Accused must be informed of charges before the trial.
Section 313: Accused has a right to explain evidence against him.

Chapter 6: Judgment and Sentencing (Sections 353-365)

Section 353: Judgments to be delivered in open court.
Section 354: Reasoning behind punishment must be explained in judgments.
Section 357: Compensation to victims can be ordered by courts.
Section 362: Courts cannot alter or review judgments except for clerical errors.

Chapter 7: Appeals, Revisions, and Review (Sections 372-405)

Section 372: Right to appeal against conviction or acquittal.
Section 374: Appeal in Sessions Court, High Court, or Supreme Court depending on the severity of punishment.
Section 397: Revision powers of higher courts.

Chapter 8: Special Provisions for Women, Children, and Witnesses

Protection of Women and Victims

Section 125: Maintenance for wife, children, and parents.
Section 164A: Medical examination of rape victims.
Section 198A: Only the wife can file a complaint for cruelty under Section 498A IPC.

Witness Protection

Section 195: Protection against false evidence and perjury.
Section 327: Trial of sexual offenses to be conducted in private.

Key Amendments to CrPC

Year	Amendment	Key Changes
2005	Domestic Violence Act	Strengthened women’s rights under CrPC
2008	Section 41A	No arrest in minor offenses without notice
2013	Criminal Law Amendment	Stronger laws against rape, acid attacks
2019	Witness Protection Scheme	Protection of whistleblowers and witnesses

Key Case Laws on CrPC

DK Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) – Guidelines for arrest procedures (Right to be informed, medical checkup, lawyer access).
Lalita Kumari v. Govt of UP (2013) – Mandatory FIR registration in cognizable offenses.
Gurbaksh Singh Sibbia v. State of Punjab (1980) – Anticipatory bail principles.
Sakiri Vasu v. State of UP (2008) – Power of magistrates to direct further police investigation.
Dinesh Dalmia v. CBI (2007) – No fundamental right to anticipatory bail.

Conclusion

The Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC) provides a comprehensive legal framework for the investigation, prosecution, trial, and appeal process in criminal cases. It ensures fairness and due process while safeguarding the rights of accused persons, victims, and witnesses.

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