CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE, 1989 (1933 A. D.)
(1) This Code may be called the Code of Criminal Procedure, and it shall come into force on the first day of Phagan, 1989.
(2) Extent. - (a) It extends to the whole of Jammu and Kashmir State but in the absence of any specific provision to the contrary, nothing herein contained shall affect any special or local law now in force, or any special jurisdiction or power conferred, or any special form of procedure prescribed, by any other law for the time being in force.
[(b) Repealed.]
Repealed
In every enactment passed before this Code comes into force in which reference is made to, or to any Chapter or section of, the Code of Criminal Procedure, for the time being in force, such reference shall, so far as may be practicable, be taken to be made to this Code or to its corresponding Chapter or section.
(2) Expression in former enactments. - In every enactment passed before this Code comes into force the expressions "Officer exercising (or 'having') the powers (or 'the full powers') of a Magistrate." "Subordinate Magistrate, first class" and "Subordinate Magistrate second class," shall respectively be deemed to mean "Magistrate of the first class," "Magistrate of the second class" and *"Magistrate of the third class," the expression "Magistrate of a division of a district" shall be deemed to mean "Sub-Divisional Magistrate," the expression "Magistrate of the district" shal
Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.) serves as a foundational provision that clarifies how references to previous laws should be interpreted in light of the new Code. This section is crucial for ensuring consistency and clarity in the application of criminal law within the jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir.
Section 3 states that any reference made in prior enactments to the Criminal Procedure Code or any chapter or section therein shall be construed as a reference to the corresponding provisions of the new Code. This ensures that the transition from the old legal framework to the new one is seamless and that existing laws remain applicable under the new Code.
The scope of Section 3 extends to all prior enactments that reference the Criminal Procedure Code. It applies to various legal contexts, ensuring that the new Code is integrated into the existing legal framework without creating gaps or inconsistencies.
Section 3 does not prescribe any punishment as it is not a penal provision but rather a clarifying one that aids in the interpretation of references to previous laws.
(1) In this Code the following words and expressions have the following meanings, unless a different intention appears from the subject or context :-
(a) "Advocate General", "Advocate General" includes also a Government Advocate or, where there is no Advocate General or Government Advocate, such officer as [the Government] may, from time to time, appoint in this behalf.
(b) "Bailable Offence", "Non-Bailable offence". - "Bailable offence" means an offence shown as bailable in the second Schedule, or which is made bailable by any other law for the time being in force ; and "non-bailable offence" means any other offence ;
(c) "Charge", "Charge" includes any head of charge when the charge contains more heads than one ;
(d) "Cognizable offence", "Cogniza
(1) All offences under the Ranbir Penal Code shall be investigated, inquired into, tried and otherwise dealt with according to the provisions hereinafter contained.
(2) Trial of offence against other laws. - All offences under any other law shall be investigated, inquired into, tried and otherwise dealt with according to the same provisions, but subject to any enactment for the time being in force regulating the manner or place of investigating, inquiring into, trying or otherwise dealing with such offences.
Besides the High Court and the Courts constituted under any law other than this Code for the time being in force, there shall be two classes of Criminal Courts in the Jammu and Kashmir State, namely :-
I. Courts of Session.
II. Courts of Magistrates].
There shall be the following classes of Magistrates, namely :-
I. Judicial Magistrates.
(1) Chief Judicial Magistrates.
(2) Judicial Magistrates of the first class.
(3) Judicial Magistrates of the second class.
(4) Special Judicial Magistrates.
II. Executive Magistrates.
(1) District Magistrates.
(2) Addl. District Magistrates.
(3) Sub-Divisional Magistrates.
(4) Executive Magistrates of the first class.
(5) Executive magistrates of the sec
(1) The State of Jammu and Kashmir shall consist of sessions divisions ; and every sessions division shall, for the purposes of this Code, be a district or part of a district or consist of districts.
(2) The Government, in consultation with the High Court, may alter the limits or the number of such divisions and districts.
(3) the sessions, divisions and districts existing when the Jammu and Kashmir Separation of Judicial Functions Act, 1966, comes into force shall be sessions divisions and districts respectively unless and until they are so altered.]
(4) Omitted.
(1) [The Government] may divide any district into sub-divisions or make any portion of any such district a sub-division and may alter the limits of any sub-division.
(2) Existing Sub-divisions maintained. - All existing sub-divisions which are now usually put under the charge of a Magistrate shall be deemed to have been made under this Code.
(1) [The Government] shall establish a Court of Session for every sessions division and [in consultation with the High Court,] appoint a Judge of such court.
[(2) The Government [in consultation with the High Court,] may, by general or special order in the Government Gazette, direct at what place or places the Court of Session shall ordinarily hold its sitting ; but if in any particular case, the Court of Session is of opinion that it will tend to the general convenience of the parties and witnesses to hold its sitting at any other place in the sessions divisions, it may, with the consent of the prosecution and the accused, sit at that place for the disposal of the case or the examination of any witness or witnesses therein].
(3) [The Government] may also [in consultation with the High Court] appoint Additional Sessions Judges and Assist
(1) In every district [the Government] shall appoint [an executive Magistrate]of the first class, who shall be called the District Magistrate.
[(1-a) In every district the High Court shall invest a Judicial Magistrate of the first class with the powers of a Chief Judicial Magistrate under this Code or any other law for the time being in force.]
[(2) The Government may appoint one or more Executive magistrates of the first class to be Additional District Magistrates in a district and such Additional District Magistrate shall have all or any of the powers of a District Magistrate under this Code or under any law for the time being n force, as the Government may direct.
Explanation. - In its application to Sessions Division Poonch the words "Executive Magistrate" shall be substituted by the words
Whenever, in consequence of the office of a District Magistrate becoming vacant, any officer succeeds temporarily to the chief executive administration of the district, such officer shall, pending the orders of [the Government], exercise all the powers and perform all the duties respectively conferred and imposed by this Code on the District Magistrate.
(1) The Government may appoint as many persons as it thinks fit, besides the District Magistrate, to be Executive Magistrates of the first or second class in any district, and the Government or the District Magistrate, subject to the control of the Government may, from time to time, define local areas within which such persons may exercise all or any of the powers with which they may respectively be invested under this Code.
(2) The High Court may confer on any person who is a member of the Judicial Service of the State the powers of any class of a Judicial Magistrate in any district ; and the High Court or the Chief Judicial Magistrate, subject to the control of the High Court, may, from time to time define local areas within which he may exercise all or any of the powers with which he may be invested under this Code.
(3) The Government
(1) The [Government] may place any [Executive Magistrate] of the first or second class in charge of a sub-division, and relieve him of the charge as occasion requires.
(2) Such Magistrates shall be called Sub-Divisional Magistrates.
(3) Delegation of powers to District Magistrate. - The [Government] may delegate its ppwers under this section to the District Magistrate.
(1) The Government may, in consultation with the High Court, confer upon any person who holds or has held;any Judicial post under the State or possesses such other qualifications as may, in consultation with the High Court be specified in this behalf by the Government by notification in the Government Gazette, all or any of the powers conferred or conferrable by or under this Code on a Judicial Magistrate in respect to particular cases or to a particular class or classes of cases, or in regard to cases generally in any local area. Such Magistrates shall be called special Judicial Magistrates and shall be appointed for such term as the Government may, in consultation with the High Court, by general or special order direct.
(2) The Government may also appoint Executive Magistrates for particular areas or for the performance of particular functions and confer upon them such powers as
Omitted
Omitted
(1) All Judicial Magistrates appointed under sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 12 and sub-section (1) of section 14 [ ], shall, subject to the control of the Sessions Judge, be subordinate to the Chief Judicial Magistrate and he may, from time to time, make rules or give special orders consistent with this Code as to the distribution of business among such Magistrates and Benches.
(2) All Chief Judicial Magistrates shall be subordinate to the Sessions Judge.
(3) All Assistant Sessions Judges shall be subordinate to the Sessions Judge in whose court they exercise jurisdiction, and he may, from time to time, make rules consistent with this Code as to the distribution of business among such Assistant Sessions Judges.
(4) The Sessions Judge may also, when he himself is unavoidably absent or inca
(1) All Executive Magistrates appointed under sub-section (1) of section 12, section 13 and sub-section (2) of section 14 shall be subordinate to the District Magistrate and every Executive Magistrate (other than a Sub-Divisional Magistrate) exercising powers in a sub-division shall also be subordinate to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, subject, however to the general control of the District Magistrate.
(2) The District Magistrate may, from time to time make rules or give special orders consistent with this Code as to the distribution of business among the Executive Magistrates subordinate to him and as to allocation of business to an Additional District Magistrate.
Courts of sessions and Court of Judicial and Executive Magistrates shall be Criminal Courts inferior to the High Court and Courts of Judicial and Executive Magistrates shall be Criminal Courts inferior to the Court of Session].
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Omitted
Subject to the other provisions of this Code any offence under the Ranbir Penal Code may be tried-
(a) by the High Court ; or
(b) by the Court of Session, or
(c) by any other Court by which such offence is shown in the eighth column of the Second Schedule to the triable.
Illustration
A is committed to the Sessions Court on a charge of culpable homicide. He may be convicted of volunatarily causing hurt and offence triable by a Magistrate.
Subject to the other provisions of this Code any offence under any other law shall, when any court is mentioned in this behalf in such law, be tried by such court:
Provided that if the Court so mentioned is a Court specified in column (1) of the Table below, such offence shall be tried by the Court of the Judicial Magistrate specified against it in column (2) thereof.
(1) The High Court may pass any sentence authorised by law. [x x x],
(2) A Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge may pass any sentence authorised by law, but any sentence of death or of life imprisonment passed by any such Judge shall be subject to confirmation by [the High Court],
(3) An Assistant Sessions Judge may pass any sentence authorised by law, except a sentence of death or of life imprisonment, or of imprisonment for a term exceeding [ten years].
The Courts of [Judicial Magistrate] may pass the following sentences, namely:-
| (a) | Courts of The Court of [any Judicial Magistrate] may award such terms of imprisonment in default of payment of fine as is authorised by law in case of such default ; S.34 Higher powers of Chief Judicial MagistrateNotwithstanding anything contained in section 32, the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate or where there is no Chief Judicial Magistrate the Additional District Magistrate may pass any sentence of death or of imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years.] S.35 Sentence in cases of conviction of several offence at one trial When a person is convicted at one trial of two or more offences, the Court may, subject to the provisions of section 71 of the Ranbir Penal Code, sentence him, for such offences, to the several punishments prescribed therefor which such Court is competent to inflict ; such punishments, when consisting of imprisonment to commence the one after the expiration of the other in such order as the Court may direct, unless the Court directs that such punishments shall run concurrently. S.36 Ordinary powers of MagistratesAll District Magistrates [Chief Judicial Magistrates], Sub-Divisional Magistrates [and Judicial and Executive Magistrates other than Special Judicial Magistrates and Special Executive Magistrates] have the powers hereinafter respectively conferred upon them and specified in the Third Schedule. Such powers are called their "ordinary powers". S.37 Additional powers conferrable on Magistrates In addition to his ordinary powers- S.38 Exercise of powers under section 37 by Chief Judicial or District Magistrate to be subject to control of High Court or GovernmentThe powers conferred on Chief Judicial Magistrate under clause (b) of section 37 shall be exercised subject to the control of the High Court and the powers on the District Magistrate under clause (d) of that section shall be exercised subject to the control of the Government]. S.38(a) Powers on Judicial Magistrates to be conferred by the High Court Whenever, under any provisions of this Code or of any law for the time bring in force relating to any of the matters in respect of which the State Legislature can make laws for the State either by itself or concurrently with the Parliament of India, any judicial powers are to be conferred on a Sessions Judge or an Additional or Assistant Sessions Judge or Chief Judicial Magistrate or any other Judicial Magistrate or any such Magistrate is to be specially empowered to exercise such powers, the orders conferring such powers or empowering the exercise of such powers shall unless otherwise provided in such law, be made by the High Court. S.39 Mode of conferring powers (1) In conferring powers under this Code [the Government or the High Court, as the case may be,]may, by order, empower persons specially by name or in virtue of their office or classes of officials generally by their official titles. S.40 Powers of officers appointed Whenever any persons holding an office in the service of [the State] who has been invested with any powers under this Code throughout any local area is appointed to an equal or higher office of the same nature, within a like local area, he shall, unless [the Government or the High Court, as the case may be], otherwise directs, S.41 Power may be cancelled (1) The [Government] [or the High Court, as the case may be,] may withdraw all or any of the powers conferred under this Code or any person by it or by any officer subordinate to it. S.42 Public when to assist Magistrate and Police Every person is bound to assist a Magistrate or police officer reasonably demanding his aid,- S.43 Aid to person, other than police-officer, executing warrantWhen a warrant is directed to a person other than a police-officer, any other person may aid in the execution of such warrant, if the person to whom the warrant is directed be near at hand and acting in the execution of the warrant. S.44 Public to give information of certain offences (1) Every person, aware of the commission of, or of the intention of any other person to commit any offence punishable under any of the following sections of the Ranbir Penal Code namely 121, 121-A, 122, 123, 124, 124-A, 125, 126, 130, 143, 144, 145, 147, 148,, 302, 103, 304, 382, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 402, 435, 436, 449, 450, 456, 457, 458, 459, and 460, shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie upon the person so aware, forthwith give information to the nearest Magistrate or police officer of such commission or intention. S.45 Village, headmen, accountants, landholders and other bound to report certain matters (1) Every village headman, village accountant, village watchman, village police-officer, owner or occupier in charge of land and the agent of any such owner or occupier in charge of the management of that land [and every member of a village panchayat, other than a Judicial panchayat (where such panchayat, by whatever name is called, is constituted under any law for the time being in force)] and every officer employed in the collection of revenue, of rent of land on the part of Government or the Court of Wards forthwith communicate to the nearest Magistrate or to the officer-in-charge of the nearest police-station, whichever is the nearer, any information which he may possess respecting- S.46 Arrest how made (1) In making an arrest the police-officer or other person making the same shall actually touch or confine the body of the person to be arrested, unless there be a submission to the custody by word or action. S.47 Search of place entered by person sought to be arrestedIf any person acting under a warrant of arrest, or any police-officer having authority to arrest, has reason to believe that the person to be arrested has entered into or is within, any place, [any person residing] in, or being incharge of, such place, shall, on demand of such person acting as aforesaid or such police officer, allow him free ingress thereto, and afford all reasonable facilities for a search therein. S.48 Procedure where ingress not obtainable If ingress to such place cannot be obtained under section 47, it shall be lawful in any case for a person acting under a warrant and in any case in which a warrant may issue, but cannot be obtained without affording the person to be arrested an opportunity of escape, for a police-officer to enter such place and search therein, and in order to effect an entrance into such place, to break open any outer or inner door or widow of any house or place, whether that of the person to be arrested or of any other person, if after notification of his authority and purpose, and demand of admittance duly made, he cannot otherwise obtain admittance. S.49 Power to break open doors and windows for purposes of liberationAny police-officer or other person authorised to make an arrest may break open any outer or inner door or window of any house or place in order to liberate himself or any other person who, having lawfully entered for the purpose of making an arrest, is detained therein. S.50 No unnecessary restraintThe person arrested shall not be subjected to more restraint than is necessary to prevent his escape. S.50(a) Person arrested to be informed of grounds of arrest and of right to bail (1) Every police-officer or other person arresting any person without warrant shall forthwith communicate to him full particulars of the offence for which he is arrested or other grounds for such arrest. S.51 Search of arrested persons Whenever a person is arrested by a police officer under a warrant which does not provide for the taking of bail, or under a warrant which provides for the taking of bail but the person arrested cannot furnish bail ; and S.52 Mode of searching womenWhenever it is necessary to cause a woman to be searched, the search shall be made by another woman, with strict regard to decency. S.53 Power to seize offensive weaponsThe officer or other person making any arrest under this Code may take from the person arrested any offensive weapons which he has about his person, and shall deliver all weapons so taken to the Court or officer before which or whom the officer or person making the arrest is required by this Code to produce the person arrested. S.54 When police may arrest without warrant Any police-officer may, without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant, arrest- S.55 Arrest of vagabonds, habitual robbers, etc. Any officer-incharge of a police-station may, in like manner, arrest or cause to be arrested- S.56 Procedure when police officer deputes sub-ordinate to arrest without warrantWhen any officer-incharge of a police-station or any police officer making an investigation under Chapter XIV requires any officer subordinate to him to arrest without a warrant (otherwise than in his presence) any person who may lawfully be arrested without a warrant, he shall deliver to the officer required to make the arrest, an order in writing, specifying the person to be arrested and the offence or other cause for which the arrest to be made. The officer so required shall, before making the arrest, notify to the person to be arrested the substance of the order and, if so required by such person, shall show him the order. S.57 Refusal to give name and residence (1) When any person who in the presence of a police-officer has committed or has been accused of committing a non-cognizable offence refuses, on demand of such officer to give his name and residence or gives a name or residence which such officer has reason to believe to be false, he may be arrested by such officer in order that his name or residence may be ascertained. S.58 Pursuit of offenders into other jurisdictionsA police-officer may, for the purpose of arresting without warrant any person whom he is authorised to arrest under this Chapter, pursue such person into any place of Jammu and Kashmir State. S.59 Arrest by private persons and procedure on such arrest Any private person may arrest any person who in his view commits a non-bailable and cognizable offence, or any proclaimed offender, and without unnecessary delay, shall make over any person so arrested to a police officer, or, in the absence of a public officer, take such person or cause him to be taken in custody to the nearest police station. S.60 Person arrested to be taken before Magistrate or officer-in-charge of police-stationA police-officer making an arrest without warrant shall, without unnecessary delay and subject to the provisions herein contained as to bail take or send the person arrested before a Magistrate having jurisdiction in the case, or before the officer-in-charge of a police-station. S.61 Persons arrested not to be detained more than twenty-four hoursNo police-officer shall detain in custody a person arrested without warrant for a longer period than under all the circumstances of the case is reasonable, and such period shall not, in the absence of a special order of a Magistrate under section 167, exceed twenty-four hours exclusive of the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the Magistrate's Court. S.62 Police to report apprehensionsOfficers-in-Charge of police-stations shall report to the District Magistrates, or, if he so directs, to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the cases of all persons arrested without warrant, within the limits of their respective stations, whether such persons, have been admitted to bail or otherwise. S.63 Discharge of person apprehendedNo person who has been arrested by a police-officer shall be discharged except on his own bond, or on bail, or under the Special order of [Magistrate having jurisdiction]. S.64 Offence committed in Magistrate's presenceWhen any offence is committed in the presence of a Magistrate within the local limits of his jurisdiction, he may himself arrest or order any person to arrest the offender, and may thereupon, subject to the provisions herein contained as to bail, commit the offender to custody. S.65 Arrest by or in presence of Magistrate Any Magistrate may at any time arrest or direct the arrest in his presence, within the local limits of his jurisdiction, of any person for whose arrest he is competent at the time and in the circumstances to issue a warrant. S.66 Power, on escape, to pursue and retakeIf a person in lawful custody escapes or is rescued, the person from whose custody he escaped or was rescued, may immediately pursue and arrest him in any place in Jammu and Kashmir State. S.67 Provisions of sections 47, 48 and 49 to apply to arrests under section 66The provisions of sections 47, 48 and 49 shall apply to arrests under section 66, although the person making any such arrest is not acting under a warrant and is not a police-officer having authority to arrest. S.68 Form of summons (1) Every summons issued by a Court under this Code shall be in writing, in duplicate, signed and sealed by the presiding officer of such Court, or by such other officer as the High Court may, from time to time, by rule, direct. S.69 Summons how served (1) The summons shall, if practicable, be served personally on the person summoned, by delivering or tendering to him one of the duplicates of the summons. S.70 Service when person summoned cannot be foundWhere the person summoned cannot by the exercise of due diligence be found, the summons may be served by leaving one of the duplicates for him with some adult male member of his family and the person with some the summons is so left shall, if so required by the serving officer, sign a receipt there-for on the back of the other duplicate. S.71 Procedure when service cannot be effected as before provided If service in the manner mentioned in section 69 and 70 cannot by exercise of due diligence be effected, the serving officer shall affix one of the duplicates of the summons to some conspicuous part of the house or home-stead in which the person summoned ordinarily reside ; and thereupon the summons shall be deemed to have been duly served. S.72 Service on servant of [Central or State Government] (1) Where the person summoned is in the active service of the [Central or State Government], the Court issuing the summons shall ordinarily send it in duplicate to the head of the office in which such person is employed ; and such head shall thereupon cause the summons to be served in manner provided by section 69, and shall return it to the Court under his signature with the endorsement required by that section. S.73 Service of summons outside local limitsWhen a Court desires that a summons issued by it shall be served at any place outside the local limits of its jurisdiction, it shall ordinarily send such summons in duplicate to a Magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the person summoned resides or is, to be there served. S.74 Proof of service in such cases and when serving officer not present (1) When a summons issued by a Court is served outside the local limits of its jurisdiction, and in any case where the officer who has served a summons is not present at the hearing of the case, an affidavit purporting to be made before a Magistrate that such summons has been served, and a duplicate of the summons purporting to be endorsed (in manner provided by section 69 or section 70) by the person to whom it was delivered or tendered or with whom it was left, shall be admissible in evidence, and the statements made therein shall-be deemed to be correct unless and until the contrary is proved. S.74(a) Service of summons on witness by post (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sections of this Chapter a Court issuing a summons to a witness may, in addition to and simultaneously with the issue of such summons, direct a copy of the summons to be served by registered post addressed to the witness at the place where he ordinarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain. S.75 Form of warrant of arrest (1) Every warrant of arrest issued by a Court under this Code shall be in writing, signed by the presiding officer, [ ] and shall bear the seal of the Court. S.76 Court may direct security to be taken (1) Any Court issuing a warrant for the arrest of any person may in its discretion direct by endorsement on the warrant that, if such person executes a bond with sufficient sureties for his attendance before the Court at a specified time and thereafter until otherwise directed by the Court, the officer to whom the warrant is directed shall take such security and shall release such person from custody. S.77 Warrants to whom directed (1) A warrant of arrest shall ordinarily be directed to one or more police-officers, but any Court issuing such a warrant may, if its immediate execution is necessary and no police officer is immediately available, direct it to any other person or persons, and such person or persons shall execute the same. S.78 Warrant may be directed to land-holders etc. [(1) A District Magistrate or a Chief Judicial Magistrate or a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class may direct a warrant to any landholder, farmer or manager of land within the area of his jurisdiction for the arrest of any escaped convict, proclaimed offender or person who has been accused of a non-bailable offence, and who haS eluded pursuit]. S.79 Warrant directed to the police officerA warrant directed to any police-officer may also be executed by any other police officer whose name is endorsed upon the warrant by the officer to whom it is directed or endorsed. S.80 Notification of substance of warrantThe police-officer or other person executing a warrant of arrest shall notify the substance thereof to the person to be arrested, and, if so required, shall show him the warrant. S.81 Person arrested to be brought before Court without delayThe police officer or other person executing a warrant of arrest shall (subject to the provision of section 76 as to security) without unnecessary delay bring the person arrested before the Court before which he is required by law to produce such person. S.82 Where warrant may be executedA warrant of arrest may be executed at any place in Jammu an Kashmir Sate. S.83 Warrant forwarded for execution outside jurisdiction (1) When a warrant is to be executed outside the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court issuing the same, such Court may, instead of directing such warrant to a police officer, forward the same by post or otherwise to any Magistrate or District Superintendent of Police within the local limits of whose jurisdiction it is to be executed. S.84 Warrant directed to police officer for execution outside jurisdiction (1) When a warrant directed to a police officer is to be executed beyond the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court issuing the same, he shall ordinarily take it for endorsement either to a Magistrate or to a police officer not below the rank of an officer-in-charge of a station within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the warrant is to be executed. S.85 Procedure on arrest of person against whom warrant issuedWhen a warrant of arrest is executed outside the district in which it was issued, the person arrested shall, unless the Court which, issued the warrant is within twenty miles of the place of arrest or is nearer than the Magistrate or District Superintendent of Police within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the arrest was made, or unless security is taken under section 76, be taken before such Magistrate or District Superintendent S.86 Procedure by Magistrate before whom person arrested is brought (1) Such Magistrate or District Superintendent shall, if the person arrested appears to be the person intended by the Court which issued the warrant, direct his removal in custody to such Court : S.87 Proclamation for person absconding (1) If any Court has reason to believe (whether after taking evidence or not) that any person against whom a warrant has been issued by it has absconded or is concealing himself so that such warrant cannot be executed, such Court may publish a written proclamation requiring him to appear at a specified place and at a Specified time not less than thirty days from the date of publishing such proclamation. S.88 Attachment of property of person absconding (1) The Court issuing a proclamation under section 87 may at any time order the attachment of any property, movable or immovable, or both belonging to the proclaimed person. S.89 Restoration of attached propertyIf, within two years from the date of the attachment, any person whose property is or has been at the disposal of Government, under sub-section (7) of section 88, appears voluntarily or is apprehended and brought before the Court by whose order the property was attached, or the Court to which such Court is subordinate, and proves to the satisfaction of such Court that he did not abscond or conceal himself for the purpose of avoiding execution of the warrant and that he had not such notice of the proclamation as to enable him to attend within the time specified therein, such property, or, if the same has been sold, the net proceeds of the sale, or, if part only thereof has been sold, the net proceeds of the sale and the residue of the property, shall, after satisfying thereout all costs incurred in consequence of the attachment, be delivered to him. S.90 Issue of warrant in lieu of or in addition to, summons A Court may, in any case in which it is empowered by this Code to issue a summons for the appearance of any person [ ], issue, after recording its reasons in writing, a warrant for his arrest- S.91 Power to take bond for appearanceWhen any person for whose appearance or arrest the officer presiding in any Court is empowered to issue a summons or warrant, is present in such Court, such officer may require such person to execute a bond, with or without sureties, for his appearance in such Court. S.92 Arrest on breach of bond for appearanceWhen any person who is bound by any bond taken under this Code to appear before a Court, does not so appear, the officer presiding in such Court may issue a warrant directing that such person be arrested and produced before him. S.93 Provisions of this Chapter generally applicable to summons and warrants of arrest The provisions contained in this Chapter relating to a summons and warrant, and their issue, service and execution, shall, so far as may be, apply to every summons and every warrant of arrest issued under this Code. S.93(a) Special rules regarding processes in certain cases [(1) In this section, the expression 'Internal Court' means any court in the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the expression 'External Court' means any Court in any other part of the territory of India]. S.94 Summons to produce document for other thing (1) Whenever any Court, or any officer-in-charge of a police station considers that the production of any document or other thing is necessary or desirable for the purposes of any investigation, inquiry, trial or other proceedings under this Code by or before such Court or officer, such Court may issue a summons, or such officer written order to the person in whose possession or power such document or thing is believed to be, requiring him to attend and produce it, or to produce it, at the time and place stated in the summons or order. S.95 Procedure as to letters and telegrams (1) If any document, parcel or thing in such custody is, in the opinion of any District Magistrate, [Chief Judicial Magistrate] High Court or Court of Session, wanted for the purpose of any investigation, inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, such Magistrate or Court may require the Postal or Telegraph authorities as the case may be to deliver such document, parcel or thing to such person as such magistrate or Court directs. S.96 When search-warrant may be issued (1) Where any Court has reason to believe that a person to whom a summons or order under section 94 or a requisition under section 95, sub-section (1) has been or might be addressed, will not or would not produce the document or thing as required by such summons or requisition. S.97 Power to restrict warrantThe Court may, if it thinks fit, specify in the warrant the particular place or part thereof to which only the search or inspection shall extend; and the person charged with the execution of such warrant shall then search or inspect only the place or part so specified. S.98 Search of house suspected to contain stolen property, forged documents, etc. If a District Magistrate, [Chief Judicial Magistrate,] Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Magistrate of the first class, upon information and after such inquiry as he thinks 'necessary, has reason to believe that any place is used for the deposit or sale of stolen property. S.99 Disposal of things found in search beyond jurisdictionWhen, in the execution of a search-warrant at any place beyond the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court which issued the same any of the things for which search is made, are found, such things together with the list of the same prepared under the provisions hereinafter contained, shall be immediately taken before the Court issuing the warrant, unless such place is nearer to the Magistrate having jurisdiction therein than to such Court in which case the list and things shall be immediately taken before such Magistrate and unless there be good cause to the contrary, such Magistrate shall make an order authorising them to be taken to such Court. S.99(a) Power to declare certain publications forfeited and to issue search warrants for the same (1) Where- S.99(b) Application to High Court to set aside order of forfeitureAny person having any interest in any newspaper, book or other document in respect of which an order of forfeiture has been made under section 99-A, may, within two months from the date of such order on the apply to the High Court to set aside such order on the ground that the newspaper, or the book or other document in respect of which the order was made did not contain any seditious of other matter of such a nature as is referred to in subsection (1) of section 99-A. S.99(c) Hearing by Special BenchEvery such application shall be. heard and determined by a Special Bench of the High Court composed of three Judges. S.99(d) Order of Special Bench setting aside forfeiture (1) On respect of the application, the Special Bench shall, if it is not satisfied that the issue of the newspaper, or the book or other document, in respect of which the application has been made, contained seditious of other matter of such a nature as referred to in sub-section (1) of section 99-A, set aside the order of forfeiture. S.99(e) Evidence to prove nature or tendency of newspapersOn the hearing of any such application with reference or any newspaper, any copy of such newspaper may be given in evidence in aid of the proof of the nature of tendency if the words signs or visible representations contained in such newspaper, in respect of which the order of forfeiture was made. S.99(f) Procedure in High CourtThe High Court shall, as soon as conveniently may be, frame rules to regulate the procedure in the case of such applications, the amount of the costs thereof and the execution of orders passed thereon and until such rules are framed, the practice of the Court in proceedings other than suits and appeals shall apply, so far as may be practicable to such applications. S.99(g) Jurisdiction barredNo order passed or action taken under section 99-A shall be called in question in any Court otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of section 99-B. S.100 Search for persons wrongfully confinedIf any Magistrate of the first class or Sub-Divisional Magistrate has reason to believe that any person is confined under such circumstances that the confinement amounts to an offence, he may issue a search-warrant, and the person to whom such warrant is directed may search for the person so confined ; and such search shall be made in accordance therewith and the person, if found, shall be immediately taken before a Magistrate, who shall make such order, as in the circumstances of the case seems proper. Legal Comments
S.101 Direction, etc., of search-warrantsThe provisions of sections 43, 75, 77, 79, 82, 83 and 84 shall, so far as may be, apply to all search-warrants issued under section 96, section 98, section 99-A or section 100. S.102 Persons in charge of closed place to allow search (1) Whenever any place liable to search or inspection under this Chapter is closed, any person residing in or being in charge of, such place shall, on demand of the officer or other person executing the warrant, and on production of the warrant, allow him free ingress thereto, and afford all reasonable facilities for a search therein. S.103 Search to be made in presence of witnesses (1) Before making a search under this Chapter, the officer or other person about to make it shall call upon two or more respectable inhabitants of the locality in which the place to be searched is situate to attend and witness the search and may issue an order in writing to them or any of them so to do. S.104 Power to impound document, etc., producedAny Court may, if it thinks fit, impound any document or thing produced before it under this Code. S.105 Magistrate may direct search in his presenceAny Magistrate may direct a search to be made in his presence of any place for the search of which he is competent to issue a search-warrant. S.106 Security for keeping the peace on conviction (1) Whenever any person accused of any offence punishable under Chapter VIII of the Ranbir Panel Code, other than an offence punishable under section 143, section 149, section 153-A or section 154 thereof, or of assault or other offence involving a breach of the peace, or of abetting the same, or any person accused of committing criminal intimidation, is convicted of such offence before the High Court, Court of Session, [Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate] or any other[Judicial Magistrate] of the first class. S.107 Security for keeping the peace in other cases (1) Whenever a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or [Executive Magistrate of the first class] is informed that any person is likely to commit a breach of the peace or disturb the public tranquillity, or to do not any wrongful act that may probably occasional a breach of the peace, or disturb tranquillity, the Magistrate if in his opinion there is sufficient ground for proceeding may in manner hereinafter provided. Such person to show cause why he should not be ordered to execute a bond, with or without sureties, for keeping the peace for such period not exceeding one year as the Magistrate thinks fit to fix. S.108 Security for good behaviour from persons disseminating seditious matter Whenever a District Magistrate or [Executive, Magistrate of the first class] specially empowered by the [Government] in this behalf, has information that there is within the limits of his jurisdiction any person who, within or without such limits either orally or in writing, or in any other manner intentionally disseminates or attempts to disseminate or in any way abets the dissemination of,- S.108(a) .Omitted S.109 Security for good behaviour from Suspected personsWherever a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Executive Magistrate of the First Class receives information that there is within the local jurisdiction of such Magistrate a person taking precautions to conceal his presence and that there is reason to believe that he is doing so with a view to committing a cognizable offence, such Magistrate may in the manner hereinafter provided, require such person to show cause why he should not be ordered to execute a bond, with or without sureties, for his good behaviour for such period, not exceeding one year, as the Magistrate thinks fit. S.110 Security for good behaviour from habitual offenders Whenever a District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an[Executive Magistrate of the first class] specially empowered in this behalf by the [Government] receives information that any person within the local limits of his jurisdiction- S.111 .Omitted S.112 Order to be madeWhen a Magistrate acting under section 107, section 108, section 109 or section 110 deems it necessary to require any person to show cause under such section, he shall make an order in writing, setting forth the substance of the information received, the amount of the bond to be executed, the term for which it is to be in force, and the number, character and class of sureties (if any) required. S.113 Procedure in respect of person present in CourtIf the person in respect of whom such order is made is present in Court, it shall be read over to him or, if so desires, the substance thereof shall be explained to him. S.114 Summons or warrant in case of person not so present If such person is not present in Court, the Magistrate shall issue a summons requiring him to appear, or, when such person is in custody, a warrant directing the officer in whose custody he is, to bring him before the Court : S.115 Copy of order under section 112 to accompany summons or warrantEvery summons or warrant issued under section 114 shall be accompanied by a copy of the order made under section 112, and such copy shall be delivered by the officer serving or executing such summons or warrant to the person served with, or arrested under the same. S.116 Power to dispense with personal attendanceThe Magistrate may, if he sees sufficient cause, dispense with the personal attendance of any person called upon to show cause why he should not be ordered to execute a bond for keeping the peace, and may permit him to appear by a pleader. S.117 Inquiry as to truth of information (1) When an order under section 112 has been read or explained under section 113 to a person present in Court, or when any person appears or is brought before a Magistrate in compliance with, or in execution of a summon or warrant issued under section 114, the Magistrate shall proceed to inquire into the truth of the information upon which action has been taken, and to take, and to take such further evidence as may appear necessary. S.118 Order to give security If, upon such inquiry, it is proved that it is necessary for keeping the peace or maintaining good behaviour, as the case may be, that the person in respect of whom the inquiry is made should execute a bond, with or without sureties, the Magistrate shall make an order accordingly : S.119 Discharge of person informed againstIf on an inquiry under section 117, it is not proved that it is necessary for keeping the peace or maintaining good behaviour, as the case may be, that the person in respect of whom the inquiry is made, should execute a bond, the Magistrate shall make an entry on the record to that effect, and if such person is in custody only for the purposes of the inquiry, shall release him, or if such person is not in custody, shall discharge him. S.120 Commencement of period for which security is required (1) If any person in respect of whom an order, requiring security is made under section 106 or section 118, is, at the time such order is made, sentenced to, or undergoing a sentence of, imprisonment, the period for which such security is required shall commence on the expiration of such sentence. S.121 Contents of bondThe bond to be executed by any such person shall bind him to keep the peace or to be of good behaviour, as the case may be, and in the latter case the commission or attempt to commit, or the abetment of, any offence punishable with imprisonment, wherever it may be committed is a breach of the bond. S.122 Power to reject sureties (1) A Magistrate may refuse to accept any surety offered, or may reject any surety previously accepted by him or his predecessor under this Chapter on the ground that such surety is an unfit person for the purposes of the bond\: S.123 Imprisonment in default of security (1) If any person ordered to give security under section 106 or section 118 does not give such security on or before the date on which the period for which such security is to be given commences, he shall, except in the case next hereinafter mentioned, be committed to prison, or, if he is already in prison be detained in prison until such period expires or until within such period he gives the security to the Court or Magistrate who made the order requiring it. S.124 Power to release persons imprisoned for failing to give security (1) Whenever the District Magistrate [or Chief Judicial Magistrate] is of opinion that any person imprisoned for failing to give security under this Chapter may be released without hazard to the community or to any other person, he may order such person to be discharged. S.125 Power of District Magistrate to cancel any bond for keeping the peace or good behaviour(1) The District Magistrate [or Chief Judicial Magistrate] may at any time, for sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing, cancel any bond for keeping the peace or for good behaviour executed under this Chapter by order of any Court in his district not superior to his Court. S.126 Discharge of sureties (1) Any surety for the peaceable conduct for good behaviour of another person may at any time apply [to the Court by which an order was made to give security] to cancel any bond executed under this Chapter within the local limits of his jurisdiction. S.126(a) Security for unexpired period of bond When a person for whose appearance a warrant or summons has been issued under the proviso to subsection (3) of section 122 or under section 126, sub-section (2), appears or is brought before him, the Magistrate shall cancel the bond executed by such person and shall order such person to give, for the unexpired portion of the term of such bond, fresh security of the same description as the original security. Every Such order shall, for the purposes of sections 121, 122, 123 and 124, be deemed to be an order made under section 106 or section 118, as the case may be. S.127 Assembly to disperse on command of Magistrate or police officer (1) Any [Executive Magistrate] or officer incharge of a police station may command any unlawful assembly, of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbances of the public peace, to disperse ; and thereupon be the duty of the members of such assembly to disperse accordingly. S.128 Use of civil force to disperseIf, upon being so commanded, any such assembly does not disperse, or if, without being so commanded, it conducts itself in such a manner as to show a determination not to disperse, any [Executive Magistrate] or officer-in-charge of a police station may proceed to disperse such assembly by force, and may require the assistance of any male person, not being an officer or soldier in [the Army] for the purpose of dispersing such assembly, and, if necessary, arresting and confining the persons who form Part of it, in order to disperse such assembly or that they may be punished according to law. S.129 Use of military force If any such assembly cannot be otherwise, dispersed, and if it is necessary for the public security that it should be dispersed, the [Executive Magistrate] of the highest rank who is present may cause it to be dispersed by military force : S.130 Duty of officer commanding troops required by Magistrate to disperse assembly When an [Executive Magistrate]determines to disperse any such assembly by military force, he may require any commissioned or non-commissioned officer in command of any soldiers in [the Army] to disperse such assembly by military force, and to arrest and confined such persons forming part of it as the [Executive Magistrate] may direct as it may be necessary to arrest and confine in order to disperse the assembly or to have them punished according to law. S.131 Power of commissioned military officer to disperse assemblyWhen the public security is manifestly endangered by any such assembly, and when no [Executive Magistrate] can be communicated with, any commissioned officer of [the Army] may disperse such assembly by military force, and may arrest and confine any persons forming part of it, in order to disperse such assembly, or that they may be punished according to law; but if, while he is acting under this section, it becomes practicable for him to communicate with an [Executive Magistrate] he shall do so; and shall thenceforward obey the instructions of the Magistrate as to whether he shall or shall not continue such action. S.132 Protection against prosecution for act done under this Chapter No prosecution against any person for any act purporting to be done under this Chapter shall be instituted in any Criminal Court, except with the sanction of [the Government] ; and S.133 Conditional order for removal of nuisance (1) Whenever a District Magistrate, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an [Executive Magistrate] of the first class considers, on receiving a police report or other information and on taking such evidence (if any) as he thinks fit ; S.134 Service or notification of order (1) The order shall, if practicable, be served on the person against whom it is made, in manner herein provided for service of a summons. S.135 Persons to whom order is addressed to obey, or show cause [x x x x] The person against whom such order is made shall- S.136 Consequence of his failing to do soIf such person does not perform such act or appear and show cause [x x x], he shall be liable to the penalty prescribed in that behalf in section 188 of the Ranbir Penal Code, and the order shall be made absolute. S.137 Procedure where he appears to show cause (1) If he appears and show cause against the order, the Magistrate shall take evidence in the matter as a summons case. S.138 .Omitted S.139 .Omitted S.139(a) Procedure where existence of public right is denied (1) Where an order is made under section 133 for the purpose of preventing obstruction, nuisance or danger to the public in the use of any way, river, channel or place, the Magistrate shall, on the appearance before him of the person against whom the order was made, question him as to whether he denies the existence of any public right in respect of the way, river, channel or place, and if he does so, the Magistrate shall, before proceeding under section 137 [x x x] inquire into the matter. S.140 Procedure on order being made absolute (1) When an order has been made absolute under [section 136 or section 137 ;] the Magistrate shall give notice of the same to the person against whom the order was made, and shall further require him to perform the act directed by the order within a time to be fixed in the notice, and inform him that, in case of disobedience, he will be liable to the penalty provided by section 188 of the Ranbir Penal Code. S.141 .Omitted S.142 Injunction pending inquiry If a Magistrate making an order under section 133 considers that immediate measures should be taken to prevent imminent such danger or injury of a serious kind to the public, he may, [ x x x ] issue such an injunction to the person against whom the order was made, as is required to obviate or prevent such danger or injury pending the determination of the matter. S.143 Magistrate may prohibit repetition or continuance of public nuisanceA District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate or[any other Executive Magistrate] empowered by the [Government] in this behalf may order any person not to repeat or continue a public nuisance as defined in the Ranbir Penal Code or any special or local law. S.144 Power to issue order [xxx] in urgent case of nuisance or apprehended danger (1) In cases where, in the opinion of a District Magistrate, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or of any other [Executive Magistrate] specially empowered by the [Government] to act under this section, there is sufficient ground for proceeding under this section and immediate prevention or speedy remedy is desirable, such Magistrate may, by a written order stating the material facts of the case and served in [the] manner provided by section 134, direct any person to abstain from a certain act or [to take certain order with respect to certain property] in his possession or under his management, if such Magistrate considers that such direction is likely to prevent, or tends to prevent, obstruction, annoyance or injury,[x x x] to any person lawfully employed, or danger to human life health or safety, or a disturbance of the public tranquillity, or a riot, or an affray S.145 Procedure where dispute concerning land, etc. is likely to cause breach of peace (1) Whenever a [Chief Judicial Magistrate, or any other Judicial Magistrate of the first class] is satisfied from a police report or other information that a dispute likely to cause a breach of the peace exists concerning any land or water or the boundaries thereof, within the local limits of his jurisdiction, he shall make an order in writing, stating the grounds of his being so satisfied, and requiring the parties concerned in such dispute to attend his Court in person or by pleader, within a time to be fixed by such Magistrate, and to put in written statements of their respective claims as respects the fact of actual possession of the subject of dispute [and further requiring them to put in such documents, or to adduce, by putting in affidavits, the evidence of such persons, as they rely upon in support of such claims] : S.146 Power to attach subject of dispute [(1) If the Magistrate is of opinion that one of the parties was then in such possession, or is unable to decide as to which of them was then in such possession, of the subject of dispute, he may attach it, and draw up a statement of the facts of the case and forward the record of the proceeding to a Civil Court of competent jurisdiction to decide the question whether any and which of the parties was in possession of the subject of dispute at the date of the order as explained in sub-section (4), of section 145; and he shall direct the parties to appear before the Civil Court on a date to be fixed by him : S.147 Disputes concerning rights of use of immovable property (1) Whenever any [Chief Judicial Magistrate, or any other Judicial Magistrate of the first class] is satisfied, from a police report or other information, that a dispute likely to cause a breach of the peace exists regarding any alleged right of user of any land or water as explained in section 145, sub-section (2) (whether such rights be claimed as an easement or otherwise), within the local limits of his jurisdiction, he may make an order in writing stating the grounds of his being so satisfied and requiring the parties concerned in such dispute to attend the Court in person or by pleader within a time to be fixed by such Magistrate and to put in written statements of their respective claims, and shall thereafter inquire into the matter [in the manner hereinafter provided] : S.148 Local inquiry (1) Whenever a local inquiry is necessary for the purposes of this Chapter, any District Magistrate or [Chief Judicial Magistrate] may depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to make the inquiry, and may furnish him with such written instructions as may seem necessary for his guidance, and may declare by whom the whole or any part of the necessary for his guidance, and may declare by whom the whole or any part of the necessary expenses of the inquiry shall be paid. S.149 Police to prevent cognizable offencesEvery police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing, and shall, to the be$t of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence. S.150 Information of design to commit such offencesEvery police officer receiving information of a design to commit any cognizable offence shall communicate such information to the police officer to whom he is subordinate, and to any other officer whose duty it is to prevent or to take cognizable of the commission of any such offence. S.151 Arrest to prevent such offencesA police officer knowing of a design to commit any cognizable offence may arrest, without orders from a Magistrate and without a warrant, the person so designing, if it appears to such officer that the commission of the offence cannot be otherwise prevented. S.152 Prevention of injury to public propertyA police officer may of his own authority interpose to prevent any injury attempted to be committed in his view to any public property, movable, or immovable, or the removal or injury of any public landmark or other mark used for navigation. S.153 Inspection of weights and measures Any officer-in-charge of a police station may, without a warrant, enter any place within the limits of such station for the purpose of inspecting or searching for any weights or measures or instruments for weighing, used or kept therein, whenever he has reason to believe that there are in such place any weights, measures or instruments for weighing which are false. S.154 Information in cognizable cases [(1) Every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence if given orally to an officer-in charge of a police station, shall be reduced to writing by him or under his direction, and be read over to the informant ; and every such information, whether given in writing or reduced to writing as aforesaid, shall be signed by the person giving it, and the substance thereof shall be entered in a book to be kept by such officer in such form as [the Government]may prescribe in this behalf] . S.155 Information in non-cognizable cases (1) When information is given to an officer-in-charge of a police station of the commission within the limits of such station of a non-cognizable offence, he shall enter in a book to be kept as aforesaid the substance of such information and refer the informat to the Magistrate [having power to try such case or commit the same for trial.]. S.156 Investigation into cognizable cases (1) Any officer-in-charge of a police station may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any cognizable case which a Court having jurisdiction over the local area within the local limits of such station would' have power to inquire into or try under the provisions of Chapter XV relating to the place of inquiry or trial. S.157 Procedure where cognizable offence suspected (1) If from information received or otherwise an officer-in-charge of a police station has reason to suspect the commission of an offence which he is empowered under section 156 to investigate, he shall forthwith send a report of the same to a Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of such offence upon a police report and shall proceed in person or shall depute one of his subordinate officers not being below such rank as [the Government] may by general or special order prescribe in this behalf to proceed the spot, to investigate the facts and circumstances of the case, and, if necessary, to take measures for the discovery and arrest of the offender. S.158 Reports under section 157 how submitted (1) Every report sent to a Magistrate under section 157 shall, if [the Government]so directs be submitted through such superior officer of police as [the Government] by general or special order appoints in that behalf. S.159 Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquirySuch Magistrate, on receiving such report, may direct an investigation or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in manner provided in this Code. S.160 Police officer's power to require attendance of witnesses [(1) Any police officer making an investigation under this Chapter may, by order in writing, require the attendance before himself of any person being within the limits of his own or any adjoining station who, from the information given or otherwise appears to be acquainted with the circumstances of the case ; and such person shall attend as so required]: S.161 Examination of witnesses by police (1) Any police officer making an investigation under this Chapter or any police officer not below such rank as [the Government] may by general or special order, prescribe in this behalf, acting on the requisition of such officer may examine orally any person supposed to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case. S.162 XXX ["(1) The statement made by any person to a police officer in the course of an investigation under this Chapter shall, if reduced into writing, be signed by the person making it and a copy of the statement as recorded shall be given forthwith free of cost by the police officer to the person who made the statement, under acknowledgement.] S.163 No inducement to be offered (1) No police officer or other person in authority shall offer or make, or cause to be offered or made any such inducement, threat or promise as is mentioned in the Evidence Act, 1977, section 24. S.164 Power to record statements and confessions [Any Judicial Magistrate of the first class or any Judicial Magistrate of the second class specially empowered in this behalf by the High Court] may, if he is not a police officer, record any statement or confession made to him in the course of an investigation under this Chapter [or under any other law for the time being in force] or at any time afterwards before the commencement of the inquiry or trial. S.164(a) Evidence of material witnesses to be recorded by Magistrate in certain cases (1) Any police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector, making an investigation of any offence punishable with death or imprisonment for seven years or' more, shall, in the course of such investigation, produce all persons whose statement appears to him to be material and essential for proper investigation of the case, to the nearest Judicial Magistrate for recording their statements. S.165 Search by police officer (1) Whenever an officer-in-charge of a police station or a police officer making an investigation has reasonable grounds for believing that anything necessary for the purposes of an investigation into any offence which he is authorised to investigate may be found in any place within the limits of the police station of which he is in charge, or to which he is attached, and that such thing cannot in his opinion be otherwise obtained without undue delay, such officer may, after recording in writing the grounds of his belief and specifying in such writing, so far as possible, the thing for which search is to be made, search, or cause search to be made, for such thing in any place within the limits of such station. S.166 When officer-in-charge of police station may require another to issue search warrants (1) An officer-in-charge of a police station or a police officer not being below the rank of sub-inspector making an, investigation may require an officer-in-charge of another police station whether in the same or a different district, to cause a search to be made in any place, in any case in which the former officer might cause such search to be made, within the limits of his own station. S.167 Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in twenty-four hours (1) Whenever any person is arrested and detained in custody and it appears that the investigation cannot be completed within the period of twenty-four hours fixed by section 61, and there are grounds for believing that the accusation or information is well founded, the officer-in-charge of the police station or the police officer making the investigation if he is not below the rank of sub-inspector shall forthwith transmit to the [nearest, Executive or Judicial Magistrate] a copy of the entries in the diary hereinafter prescribed relating to the case, and shall at the same time forward the accused to such Magistrate. S.168 Report of investigation by subordinate police officerWhen any subordinate police officer has made any investigation under this Chapter, he shall report the result of such investigation to the officer-in-charge of the police station. S.169 Release of accused when evidence deficientIf, upon an investigation under this Chapter, it appears to the officer-in-charge of the police station or to the police officer making the investigation that there is not sufficient evidence or reasonable ground of suspicion to justify the forwarding of the accused to a Magistrate, such officer shall, if such person is in custody, release him on his executing a bond, with or without sureties, such officer may direct, to appear, if and when so required, before a Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of the offence on a police report and to try the accused or commit him for trial. S.170 Case to be sent to Magistrate when evidence is sufficient (1) If, upon an investigation under this Chapter it appears to the officer-in-charge of the police station that there is sufficient evidence or reasonable ground as aforesaid, such officer shall forward the accused under custody of a Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of the offence upon a police report and to try the accused or commit him for trial or, if the offence is bailable and the accused is able to give security, shall take security from him for his appearance from day to day before such Magistrate on a day fixed and for his attendance from day to day before such Magistrate until otherwise directed. S.171 Complainants and witnesses not to be required to accompany police officer No complainant or witness on his way to the Court of the Magistrate shall be required to accompany a police officer. S.172 Diary of proceeding in investigation (1) Every police officer making an investigation under this Chapter shall day by day enter his proceedings in the investigation in a diary, setting forth the time at which the information reached him, the time at which he began and closed his investigation, the place or places visited by him, and statement or the circumstances, ascertained thorough his investigation. S.173 Report of police officer on completion of investigation (1) Every investigation under this Chapter shall be completed without unnecessary delay: S.174 Police to enquire and report on suicide etc (1) The officer-incharge of a police station or some other police officer specially empowered by the [Government] in that behalf, on receiving information that a person- S.175 Power to summon person (1) A police officer proceeding under section 174 may, by order in writing, summon two or more persons as aforesaid for the purpose of the said investigation, and any other person who appears to be acquitted with the facts of the case. Every person so summoned shall be found to attend and to answer truly all questions other than questions the answers to which would have a tendency to expose him to a criminal charge, or to a penalty or forfeiture. S.176 Inquiry by Magistrates into cause of death (1) [When any person dies while in the custody of the police or when the case is of the nature referred to in clause (i) or clause (ii) of such section (3) of section 174] the nearest Magistrate empowered to hold inquests shall, and, in any other case mentioned in section 174 clauses (a), (b) an (c) of sub-section (1), any Magistrate so empowered may hold an inquiry into the cause of death either instead of, or in addition to, the investigation held by the police officer ; and, if he does so, he shall have all the powers in conducting it which he would have in holding an inquiry into an offence. The Magistrate holding such an inquiry shall record the evidence taken by him in connection therewith in any of the manners hereinafter prescribed according to the circumstances of the case. S.177 Ordinary place of inquiry and trialEvery offence shall ordinarily be inquired into and tried by a Court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction it was committed. S.178 Power to order cases to be tried in different sessions divisions Notwithstanding anything contained in section 177, [the Government] may direct that any case or class of cases committed for trial in any district may be tried in any sessions division : S.179 Accused triable in district where act is done or where consequence ensues When a person is accused of the commission of any offence by reason of anything which has been done, and of any consequence which has ensued, such offence may be inquired into or tried by a Court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction any such thing has been done, or any such consequence has ensued. S.180 Place of trial where act is offence by reason of relation to other offence When an act is an offence by reason of its relation to any other act which is also an offence or which would be an offence if the doer were capable of committing an offence, a charge of the first-mentioned offence may be inquired into or tried by a Court within the local limit of whose jurisdiction either act was done. S.181 Being a thug or belonging to a gang of dacoits, escape from custody, etc (1) The offence of being a thug, of being a thug and committing murder, of dacoity, with murder, of having belong to a gang of dacoits, or of having escaped from custody, may be inquired into or tried by a Court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the person charged is. S.182 Place of inquiry or trial where scene of offence is uncertain or not in one district only ; or where offence is continuing, or consists of several acts When it is uncertain in which of serval local areas an offence was committed, or where an offence is committed partly in one local area and partly in another ; or where an offence is a continuing one ; and continues to be committed in more local areas than one ; or where it consists of several acts done in different local areas ; S.183 Offence committed on a journeyAn offence committed whilst the offender is in the course of performing a journey or voyage may be inquired into or tried by a Court through or into the local limits of whose jurisdiction the offender, or the person against whom, or the thing in respect of which, the offence was committed, passed in the course of that journey or voyage. S.184 .Omitted S.185 High Court to decide, in case of doubt, district where inquiry or trial shall take placeWhenever a question arises as to which of two or more Courts subordinate to the High Court ought to inquire into or try any offence, it shall be decided by the High Court. S.186 Power to issue summons or warrant for offence committed beyond local jurisdiction (1) When [a District Magistrate, or Chief Judicial Magistrate, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or, if he is specially empowered in this behalf by the Government, or the High Court, as the case may be, an Executive or Judicial Magistrate of the first class,] sees reason to believe that any person within the local limits of his jurisdiction has committed without such limits (whether within or without Jammu and Kashmir State) an offence which cannot, under the provisions of sections 177 to 184 (both inclusive), or any other law for the time being in force, be inquired into or tried within such local limits, but is under some law for the time being in force triable Magistrates Procedure on arrest in Jammu and Kashmir State, such Magistrate may inquire into the offence as it is had been committed within such local limits, and compel such person in manner hereinbefore provided to appear before him, and send such person to the Magistra S.187 Procedure where want issued by subordinate Magistrate (1) If the person has been arrested under a warrant issued under section 186 by a Magistrate other than [a District Magistrate, or, a Chief Judicial Magistrate, such Magistrate shall send the person arrested to the District or Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or, as the case may be, to the Chief Judicial Magistrate] to whom he is subordinate, unless the Magistrate having jurisdiction to inquire into or try such offence issues his warrant for the arrest of such person, in which case the person arrested shall be delivered to the police officer executing such warrant or shall be sent to the Magistrate by whom such warrant was issued. S.188 Liability of *State Subject for offences committed out of State When a State Subject or State-servant (whether a State Subject or not) commits an offence as mentioned in the Appendix to the **Jammu and Kashmir State Extradition Rules No. IV of 1976 at any place without and beyond the limits of the State, he may be dealt with in respect of such offence as if it had been committed at any place within the State at which he may be found : S.190 Cognizance of offence by Magistrates (1) Except as hereinafter provided, [any Chief Judicial Magistrate and, any other Judicial Magistrate] specially empowered in this behalf, may take cognizance of any offence- S.191 Transfer or commitment on application of accusedWhen a Magistrate takes cognizance of an offence under sub-section (1), clause (c), of the preceding section, the accused shall, before any evidence is taken, be informed that he is entitled to have the case tried by another Court and if the accused, or any of the accused if there be more than one, objects to being tried by such Magistrate, the case shall, instead of being tried by such Magistrate, be committed to the Court of Session or transferred to another Magistrate. S.192 Transfer of cases by Magistrates (1) [Any Chief Judicial Magistrate] may transfer any case, of which he has taken cognizance, for inquiry or trial, to any Magistrate subordinate to him. S.193 Cognizance of offences by Courts of Session (1) Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Code or by any other law for the time being in force, no Court of Session shall taken cognizance of any offence as a Court of original jurisdiction unless the accused has been committed to it by a Magistrate duly empowered in that behalf. S.194 .Omitted S.195 . (1) No Court shall take cognizance- S.196 Prosecution for offences against the StateNo Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under Chapter VI or IX-A of the Ranbir Penal Code except section 127, [and section 171-F, so far as it relates to the offence of personation], or punishable under section 108-A, or section 153-A, or section 294-A, [or section 295-A] or section 505 of the Ranbir Penal Code, unless upon made by order of, or under authority from [the Government or District Magistrate or such other officer as may be empowered by the Government in this behalf], S.196(a) Prosecution for certain classes of criminal conspiracy No Court shall take cognizance of the offence of criminal conspiracy punishable under section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code,- S.196(b) Preliminary inquiry in certain cases In the case of any offence in respect of which the provisions of section 196 or section 196-A apply, a District Magistrate may, notwithstanding anything contained in those sections or in any other part of this Code, order a preliminary investigation by a police officer not being below the rank of Inspector, in which case such police officer shall have powers referred to in section 155, sub-section (3). S.197 Prosecution of Judges and public servants (1) When any person who is Judge within the meaning of section 19 of the Ranbir Penal Code or when any Magistrate, or when any public Servant who is not removable from his office save by or with the sanction of the State Government or the Government of India, is accused of any offence alleged to have been committed by him while acting or purporting to act in the discharge of his official duties, no Court shall take cognizance of such offence except with the previous sanction- S.197(a) Prosecution of Rulers of former Indian States (1) in this section- S.198 Prosecution for breach of contract, defamation and offences against marriage No Court shall take cognizance of an offence falling under Chapter XIX or Chapter XXI of the Ranbir Penal Code, or under sections 493 to 496 (both inclusive) of the same. Code, except upon a complaint made by some person aggrieved by such offence : S.198(a) Prosecution for offence of marital misbehaviour No Court shall take cognizance of an offence under section 376 of the Ranbir Penal Code, where such offence consists of sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife being under fourteen years of age, if more than one year has elapsed from the date of the commission of the offence]. S.198(b) Prosecution for defamation against public servants in respect of their conduct in the discharge of public functions (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code, when any offence falling under Chapter XXI of the Ranbir Penal Code, 1989 [* * *]is alleged to have been committed against the President or the Vice-President [or the Governor of the State, or of any other State in India] or a Minister, or any other public servant employed in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State in respect of his conduct in the discharge of his public functions, a Court of Session may take cognizance of such offence without the accused being committed to it for trial, upon a complaint in writing made by the Public Prosecutor. S.198(c) Prosecution of offences under section 498-A of the State Ranbir Penal CodeNo Court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under section 498-A of the Ranbir Penal Code, Samvat 1989, except upon a police report of facts which constitute such offence or upon a complaint made by the person aggrieved by the offence or by her father, mother, brother, sister or by her father's or mother's, brother or sister or with the leave of the Court, any other person related to her by blood, marriage or option]. S.199 Prosecution for adultery or enticing a married woman No Court shall take cognizance of an offence under section 497 or section 498 of the Ranbir Penal Code, except upon a complaint made by the husband of the woman, or, in his absence, made, with the leave of the Court, by some person who had care of such woman on his behalf at the time when such offence was committed : S.199(a) Objection by lawful guardian to complaint by person other than person aggrievedWhen in any case falling under section 198 or section 199, the person on whose behalf the complaint is sought to be made is under the age of eighteen years or is a lunatic, and the person applying for leave has not been appointed or declared by competent authority to be the guardian of the person of the said minor or lunatic and the Court is satisfied that there is a guardian so appointed or declared, notice shall be given to such guardian, and the Court shall, before granting the application, give him a reasonable opportunity of objecting to the granting thereof. S.199(b) Form of authorisation under second proviso to section 198 or 199 (1) The authorisation of a husband given to another person to make a complaint on his behalf under the second proviso to section 198 or the second proviso to section 199 shall be in writing, shall be signed or otherwise attested by the husband, shall contain a statement to the effect that he has been informed of the allegations upon which the complaint is to be founded, shall be countersigned by the officer referred to in the said provisos and shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by that officer to the effect that leave of absence for the purpose of making a complaint in person cannot for the time being be granted to the husband. S.200 Examination of complainant A Magistrate taking cognizance of an offence on complaint shall at once [examine the complainant and the witnesses present, if any upon oath and the substance of the examination shall be reduced to writing and shall be signed by the complainant and the witnesses] and also by the Magistrate : S.201 Procedure by Magistrate not competent to take cognizance of the case (1) If the complaint has been made in writing to a Magistrate who is not competent to take cognizance of the case he shall return the complaint for presentation to the proper Court with an endorsement to that effect. S.202 Postponement for issue of process (1) Any Magistrate, on receipt of a complaint of an offence of which he is authorised to take or which has been transferred to him under section 192, may, if he thinks fit, for reasons to be recorded in writing, postpone the issue of process for compelling the attendance of the person complained against, and either inquire into the case himself, or, direct an inquiry or investigation to be made by any Magistrate subordinate to him, or by a police officer, or by such other person as he thinks fit for the purpose of ascertaining the truth or falsehood of the complaint : S.203 Dismissal of complaint The Magistrate before whom a complaint is made or to whom it has been transferred, may dismiss the complaint, if, after considering the statement on oath (if any), of the complainant [and the witnesses] and the result of the investigation 01 inquiry, (if any), under section 202, there is in his judgment no sufficient ground for proceeding. In such cases he shall briefly record his reasons for so doing. S.204 Issue of process (1) If in the opinion of a Magistrate taking cognizance of an offence there is sufficient ground for proceeding, and the case appears to be one in which, according to the forth column of the Second Schedule, a summons should issue in the first instance, he shall issue his summons for the attendance of the accused. If the case appears to be one in which, according to that column, a warrant should issue in the first instance, he may issue a warrant, or, if he thinks fit, a summons, for causing the accused to be brought or to appear at a certain time before such Magistrate or (if he has not jurisdiction himself) some other Magistrate having jurisdiction. S.205 Magistrate may dispense with personal attendance of accused (1) Whenever a Magistrate issue a summons, he may, if he sees reason so to do, dispense with the personal attendance of the accused, and permit him to appear by his pleader. S.205(a) Special summons in case of petty offence (1) If, in the opinion of a Magistrate taking cognizance of petty offence, the case may be summarily disposed of under section 260, the Magistrate shall, except where he is, for reasons to be recorded in writing of a contrary opinion, issue summons to the accused requiring him either to appear in person or by pleader before the Magistrate on a specified date, or if he desires to plead guilty to the charge without appearing before the Magistrate, to transmit before the specified date, by post or by messenger to the Magistrate the said plea in writing and the amount of fine specified in the summons or if he desires to appear by pleader and to plead guilty to the charge through such pleader to authorise, in writing, t .c pleader to plead guilty to the charge on his behalf and to pay the fine tl rough such pleader : S.205(b) Supply to the accused of copy of police report and other documents In any case where the proceeding has been instituted on a police report, the Magistrate shall without delay furnish to the accused, free of cost, a copy of each of the following :- S.205(c) Supply of copies of statements and documents to accused in other cases triable by Court of Session Where, in a case instituted otherwise than on a police report, it appears to the Magistrate issuing process under section 204 that the offence is triable exclusively by the Court of Session, the Magistrate shall without delay furnish to the accused, free of cost, a copy of each of the following :- S.205(d) Commitment of case to Court of Sessions when offence is triable exclusively by it When in a case instituted on a police report or otherwise, the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate and it appears to the Magistrate that the offence is triable exclusively by the Court of Sessions, he shall- S.205(e) Procedure to be followed when there is a complaint case and police investigation in respect of the same offence (1) When in a case instituted otherwise than on a police report (hereinafter referred to as a complaint case), it is made to appear to the Magistrate, during the course of the inquiry or trial held by him, that an investigation by the police is in progress in relation to the offence which is the subject-matter of the inquiry or trial held by him, the Magistrate shall stay the proceedings of such inquiry or trial and call for a report on the matter from the police officer conducting the investigation. S.206 .Omitted S.207 .Omitted S.208 .Omitted S.209 .Omitted S.210 .Omitted S.211 .Omitted S.212 .Omitted S.213 .Omitted S.214 .Omitted S.215 .Omitted S.216 .Omitted S.217 .Omitted S.218 .Omitted S.219 .Omitted S.220 .Omitted S.221 Charge to state offence (1) Every charge under this Code shall state the offence with which the accused is charged. S.222 Particulars as to time, place and person (1) The charge shall contain such particulars as to the time and place of the alleged offence, and the person (if any) against whom, or the thing (if any) in respect of which, it was committed, as are reasonably sufficient to give the accused notice of the matter with which he is charged. Legal Commentary: Section 222, J&K Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.)IntroductionSection 222 of the Jammu and Kashmir Code of Criminal Procedure, 1989 (1933 A.D.), governs the form and content of the charge to be framed against an accused during criminal proceedings. Its primary objective is to ensure that the nature of the offence is clearly defined at the outset, thereby satisfying the constitutional right to a fair trial by enabling the accused to meet the case effectively. The recent legal discourse, particularly from J&K high courts, has highlighted that while the trial court possesses powers under Section 222 to convict for minor offences included in the charge, strict adherence to the time limits and specific language requirements (especially regarding the period between dates) of Section 222(2) is mandatory for the conviction to be considered legal. What Does Section 222 SaySection 222 mandates that the charge shall contain particulars regarding the time, place, and person against whom the offence was allegedly committed. Crucially, Sub-section (2) addresses situations where an accused is charged with criminal breach of trust or dishonest misappropriation of money. It stipulates that it is sufficient to specify the gross sum and the dates between which the offence was committed, without listing every individual item or exact date, provided the period between the first and last date does not exceed one year. Furthermore, the section empowers the court to convict the accused of a different offence which is included in the offence charged, even if the precise offence committed is different from the one originally charged, provided the facts constitute a lesser included offence. However, the text notes that specific interpretations have ruled this power does not always extend to offences like Section 306 IPC (abetment of suicide) or in cases where misjoinder of distinct offences occurs. Essential IngredientsBased on the case law analysis derived from the provided sources, the essential ingredients and conditions for invoking Section 222 include:* Inclusion Principle: There must be a clear nexus where the offence sought to be convicted is a lesser or included version of the charged offence (e.g., Conviction under Section 354 IPC instead of Rape when rape ingredients are not fully made out) [Source ["Pawan Kumar VS State of Haryana"], ["Radheshyam Heeralal Kalota VS State of M. P. "]].* Temporal Constraints: The period covered by the charge for offences like criminal breach of trust must not exceed one year between the first and last dates specified [Source ["Umer Saheb Bura Saheb Inamdar VS State"], ["Chuni Lal Raina VS State Of J. &K. "], ["Mafizul Islam Mia VS K. P. Sinha "]].* Nature of Offences: The offences involved in the alternative charge or conviction must be cognate, sharing common ingredients, particularly when dealing with material twists between major and minor charges [Source ["Godugula Adellu s/o Malkanna VS State of Andhra Pradesh"]].* Sufficiency of Notice: The particulars given in the charge must not allow the accused to suffer surprise; the charge must give sufficient notice of the matter with which the accused is charged to enable them to prepare a defence [Source ["Chuni Lal Raina VS State Of J. &K. "]]. Scope of Section 222The scope of this section extends to the entire lifecycle of a trial, with specific judicial review powers available when its mandates are violated.* Conviction for Minor Offences: The court can convict an accused of a minor offence (e.g., Section 354) even if the major charge (e.g., Rape under Section 376) is not substantiated, provided the minor offence is included in the facts and the charge clearly indicated the possibility [Source ["Pawan Kumar VS State of Haryana"], ["Radheshyam Heeralal Kalota VS State of M. P. "], ["Sannaia Subba Rao VS State of Andhra Pradesh"]].* Strict Liability on Time Periods: If the period specified in the charge exceeds one year (for specific offences), the trial is deemed illegal and cannot be cured even under Section 537 (which cures irregularities) because it is considered a substantive deficiency regarding the framing of the charge itself [Source ["Umer Saheb Bura Saheb Inamdar VS State"]]. Conversely, some decisions suggest breaches of this proviso may be curable specfices if no prejudice is caused to the accused [Source ["Chuni Lal Raina VS State Of J. &K. "]].* Misjoinder of Charges: The section interacts with Section 233 to prohibit the joinder of unrelated offences (e.g., Section 409 IPC with Section 477A IPC), and violation of this rule may render the trial void [Source ["Rabindra Nath Mazumdar VS Patiya Urban Co-operative Bank"], ["Raman Behary Das VS King Emperor"]].* Interpretation of "Minor Offence": The term "minor offence" is interpreted broadly not just based on quantum of punishment but on the factual relationship where the main ingredients are common, ensuring the accused is not suddenly convicted of a distinct crime for which they were not charged [Source ["Godugula Adellu s/o Malkanna VS State of Andhra Pradesh"]]. Punishment for Section 222It is important to clarify that Section 222 of the Cr.P.C. itself does not prescribe a specific punishment for non-compliance. Instead, violations of Section 222 are treated as legal defects in the trial procedure.* Vesting of Conviction: If the statute of limitation on the charge period (one year) is violated, the entire trial and conviction are deemed illegal and must be set aside [Source ["Umer Saheb Bura Saheb Inamdar VS State"]].* Curability vs. Invalidity: While some breaches (like failure to examine witnesses under Section 202) are treated as curable irregularities, the specific failure to frame a charge within the single-year limit for breach of trust is historically treated as an illegality that vitiates the trial if no exception applies [Source ["Umer Saheb Bura Saheb Inamdar VS State"], ["Emperor VS Mathuri"]].* Consequences: The ultimate consequence of strict violation is the setting aside of the order of conviction and order of sentencing, requiring a fresh trial to ensure justice is done according to the correct procedure [Source ["Raman Behary Das VS King Emperor"]]. Legal Comments
S.223 When manner of committing offence must be stated When the nature of the case is such that the particulars mentioned in sections 221 and 222 do not give the accused sufficient notice of the matter with which he is charged, the charge shall also contain such particulars of the manner in which the alleged offence was committed as will be sufficient for that purpose. S.224 Words in charge taken in sense of law under which offence is punishableIn every charge words used in describing an offence shall be deemed to have been used in the sense attached to them respectively by the law under which such offence is punishable. S.225 Effect of errors No error in stating either the offence or the, particulars required to be stated in the charge, and no omission to state the offence or those particulars, shall be regarded at any stage of the case as material, unless the accused was in fact misled by such error or omission, and it has occasioned a failure of justice. S.226 .XXX Legal Commentary on Section 226 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.)IntroductionSection 226 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 (originally 1933 A.D.), delineates the procedure for the prosecution to present its case in criminal trials, particularly when the accused is brought before the court. It ensures that the prosecution's case is formally opened and laid out before the court at the appropriate stage of trial, establishing the foundation for the subsequent proceedings. What does Section 226 Say?Section 226 mandates that when the accused appears or is brought before the court pursuant to a commitment under Section 209, the Public Prosecutor (or the Prosecuting Officer) shall open the case by stating the nature of the charge and the evidence in support thereof. This marks the formal commencement of the prosecution's case in a trial. Essential Ingredients
Scope of Section 226
Punishment for Section
Legal Comments (Bullet Point Summary)
In conclusion, Section 226 serves as a crucial procedural safeguard that mandates the prosecution to clearly state the nature of the charge and the supporting evidence once the accused is brought before the court. It ensures transparency, fairness, and orderly conduct of trials in serious criminal cases, and violations or irregularities can be rectified through judicial review under the inherent powers of the Court or constitutional remedies. S.227 Court may alter charge (1) Any Court may alter or add to any charge at any time before judgement is pronounced [x x x] S.228 When trial may proceed immediately after alterationIf the alteration or addition made under section 227 is such that proceeding immediately with the trial is not likely, in the opinion of the Court, to prejudice accused in his defence or the prosecutor in the conduct of the case, the Court may, in its discretion, after such alteration or addition has been made, proceed with the trial as if the altered charged had been the original charge.] S.229 When new trial may be directed, or trial suspended If the [x x x] altered or added charge is such that proceeding immediately with the trial is likely, in the opinion of the Court, to prejudice the accused or the prosecutor as aforesaid, the Court may either direct a new trial or adjourn the trial for such period as may be necessary. S.230 Stay of proceeding if prosecution of offence in altered charge requires previous sanctionIf the offence stated in the [x x x] altered or added charge is one for the prosecution of which previous sanction is necessary, the case shall not be proceeded with until such sanction is obtained, unless sanction has been already obtained for a prosecution on the same facts as those on which the [xxx]altered charge is founded. S.231 Recall of witnesses when charge altered Whenever a charge is altered or added to by the Court after the commencement of the trial, the prosecutor and the accused shall be allowed to recall or resummon, and examine with reference to such alteration or addition, any witness who may have been examined, and also to call any further witness whom the Court may think to be material. S.232 Effect of material error (1) If any appellate Court or the High Court in the exercise of its powers of revision or of its powers under Chapter XXVII, is of opinion that any person convicted of an offence was misled in his defence by the absence of a charge or by an error in charge, it shall direct a new trial to be had upon a charged framed in whatever manner it thinks fit. (2) If the Court is of opinion that the facts of the case are such that no valid charge could be preferred against the accused in respect of the facts proved, it shall quash the conviction. Illustration. S.233 Separate charges for distinct offences For every distinct offence of which any person is accused there shall be a separate charge, and every such charge shall be tried separately, except in the cases mentioned in sections 234, 235, 236 and 239. S.234 Three offences of same kind within a year may be charged together (1) When a person is accused of more offences than one of the same kind committed within the space of twelve months from the first to the last of such offences, whether in respect of the same person or not, he may be charged with, and tried at one trial for, any number of them not exceeding three. S.235 Trial for more than one offence (1) If, in one series of acts so connected together as to form the same transaction, more offences than one are committed by the same person, he may be charged with, and tried at one trial for, every such offence. S.236 Where it is doubtful what offence has been committed If a single act or series of acts is of such a nature that it is doubtful which of several offences the facts which can be proved will constitute, the accused may be charged with having committed all or any of such offences, and any number of such charges may be tried at once ; or he may be charged in the alternative with having committed some one of the said offences. S.237 When a person is charged with one offence, he can be convicted of another If, in the case mentioned in section 236, the accused is charged with one offence, and it appears in evidence that he committed a different offence for which he might have been charged under the provisions of that section, he may be convicted of the offence which he is shown to have been committed, although he was not charged with it. S.238 When offence proved included in offence charged (1) When a person is charged with an offence consisting of several particulars, a combination of some only of which constitutes a complete minor offence, and such combination is proved, but the remaining particulars are not proved, he may be convicted of the minor offence, though he was not charged with it. S.239 What persons may be charged jointly The following persons may be charged and tried together, namely :- S.240 Withdrawal of remaining charges on conviction on one of several chargesWhen a charge containing more heads than one is framed against the same person, and when a conviction has been had on one or more of them, the complainant, or the officer conducting the prosecution, may, with the consent of the Court, withdraw the remaining charge or charges, or the Court of its own accord may stay the inquiry into, or trial of, such charge or charges. Such withdrawal shall have the effect of an acquittal on such charge or charges unless the conviction be set aside, in which case the said Court (subject to the order of the Court setting aside the conviction) may proceed with the inquiry into or trial of the charge or charges so withdrawn. S.241 Procedure in summons casesThe following procedure shall be observed by Magistrates in the trial of summons-cases. S.242 Substance of accusation to be stated When the accused appears or is brought before the Magistrate, the particulars of the offence of which he is accused shall be stated to him, and he shall be asked if he has any cause to show why he should not be convicted; but it .shall not be necessary to frame a formal charge. S.243 Conviction on admission of truth of accusation If the accused admits that he has committed the offence of which he is accused, his admission shall be recorded as nearly as possible in the words used by him; and if he shows no sufficient cause why he should not be convicted, the Magistrate may convict him accordingly. S.243(a) Conviction on plea of guilty in absence of accused in petty cases (1) Where a summons has been issued under section 205-A and the accused-desires to plead guilty to the charge without appearing before the Magistrate, he shall transmit to the Magistrate, by post or by messenger, a letter, containing his plea and also the amount of the fine specified in the summons. S.244 Procedure when no such admission is made (1) If the Magistrate does not convict the accused under the preceding section or if the accused does not make such admission, the Magistrate shall proceed to hear the complainant (if any), and take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution, and also to hear the accused and take all such evidence as he produces in his defence : S.245 Acquittal (1) If the Magistrate upon taking the evidence referred to in section 244 and such further evidence (if any) as he may, of his own motion, cause to be produced, and (if he thinks fit) examining the accused, finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal. S.246 Finding not limited by complaint or summons A Magistrate may, under section 243 or section 245, convict the accused of any offence triable under this Chapter which from the facts admitted or proved he appears to have committed, whatever may be the nature of the complaint or summons. S.247 Non-appearance of complainant If the summons has been issued on complaint, and upon the day appointed for the appearance of the accused, or any day subsequent thereto which the hearing may be adjourned, the complainant does not appear, the Magistrate shall, notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, acquit the accused, unless for some reason he thinks proper to adjourn the hearing of the case to some other day : S.248 Withdrawal of complaint If a complainant at any time before a final order is passed, in any case under this Chapter, satisfies the Magistrate that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw his complaint, the Magistrate may permit him to withdraw the same, and shall thereupon acquit the accused. S.249 Power to stop proceedings, when no complainantIn any case instituted otherwise than upon complaint, [a Judicial Magistrate of the first class, or with the previous sanction of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, any Judicial Magistrate of the second class]may, for reasons to be recorded. by him, stop the proceedings at any stage without pronouncing any judgment either of acquittal or conviction and may thereupon release the accused. S.249(a) Power of Court to convert summons-cases into warrant casesWhen in the course of the trial of a summons-case relating to an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding six months; it appears to the Magistrate that in the interests of justice, the offence should be tried in accordance with the procedure for the trial of warrant cases, the Magistrate may proceed to re-hear the case in the manner provided by this Code for the trial of warrant-cases and may recall any witness who may have been examined. S.250 False, frivolous or vexatious accusations (1) If in any case instituted upon complaint or upon information given to a police officer or to a Magistrate, one or more persons is or are accused before a Magistrate of any offence triable by a Magistrate, and the Magistrate by whom the case is heard discharges or acquits all or any of the accused, and is of opinion that the accusation against them or any of them was false and either frivolous or vexatious, the Magistrate may, by his order of discharge or acquittal, if the person upon whose complaint or information the accusation was made is present, call upon him forthwith to show cause why he should not pay compensation to such accused or to each or any of such accused when there are more than one, or, if such person is not present, direct the issue of a summons to him to appear and show cause as aforesaid. S.251 Procedure in warrant-cases In the trial of warrant-cases by Magistrates, the Magistrate shall- S.251(a) Procedure to be adopted in cases instituted on police report (1) when, in any case instituted on a police report, the accused appears or is brought before a Magistrate at the commencement of a trial, such Magistrate shall satisfy himself that the documents referred to in section 173 have been furnished to the accused, and if he finds that the accused has not been furnished with such documents or any of them, he shall cause them to be so furnished. S.252 Evidence for prosecution (1) [In any case instituted otherwise than on a police report, when the accused appears] or is brought before a Magistrate, such Magistrate shall proceed to hear the complainant (if any) and take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution: S.253 Discharge of accused (1) If upon taking all the evidence referred to in section 252, and making such examination (if any) of the accused as the Magistrate thinks necessary, he finds that no case against the accused has been made out which, if unrebutted, would warrant his conviction, the Magistrate shall discharge him. S.254 Charge to be framed when offence appears proved If, when such evidence and examination have been taken and made, or at any previous stage of the case, the Magistrate is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence triable under this Chapter, which such Magistrate is competent to try, and which, in his opinion, could be adequately punished by him, he shall frame in writing a charge against the accused. S.255 Plea (1) The charge shall then be read and explained to the accused, and he shall be asked whether he is guilty or has any defence to make. S.255(a) Procedure in case of previous convictionsIn a case where a previous conviction is charged under the provisions of section 221, sub-section (7), and the accused does not admit that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the Magistrate may, after he has convicted the said accused under section 255, sub-section (2), or section 258, take evidence in respect of the alleged previous conviction, and shall record a finding thereon. S.256 Defence (1) If the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried, he shall be required to state at the commencement of the next hearing of the case or, if the Magistrate for reasons to be recorded in writing so thinks fit, forthwith, whether he wishes to cross-examine any, and if so, which, of the witnesses for the prosecution whose evidence has been taken. If he says he does so wish, the witnesses named by him shall be recalled and, after cross-examination and re-examination (if any), they shall be discharged. The evidence of any remaining witnesses for prosecution shall next be taken, and, after cross-examination and re-examination (if any) they also shall be discharged. The accused shall then be called/upon to enter upon his defence and produce his evidence. S.257 Process for compelling production of evidence at instance of accused (1) If the accused, after he has entered upon his defence, applies to the Magistrate to issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness for the purpose of examination or cross-examination, or the production of any document or other thing, the Magistrate, shall issue such process unless he considers that such application should be refused on the ground that it is made for the purpose of vexation or delay or for defeating the ends of justice. Such ground shall be recorded by him in writing : S.258 Acquittal (1) If in any case under this Chapter in which a charge has been framed the Magistrate finds the accused not guilty, he shall record an order of acquittal. S.259 Absence of complainant When the proceedings have been instituted upon complaint, and upon any day fixed for the hearing of the case the complainant is absent, and the offence may be lawfully compounded, or is not a cognizable offence, the Magistrate may, in his discretion, notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, at any time before the charge has been framed discharge the accused. S.259(a) Special procedure in certain offences. - (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code,- S.259(b) Application of other provisions of the CodeThe provisions of this Code in so far as they may be applicable and in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions contained in section 259-A, shall apply to all matters connected with, arising from or consequent upon, a trial under section 259-A. S.260 Power to try summarilY (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code- S. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code- S.261 .Omitted S.262 Procedure for summons and warrant case applicable (1) In trials under this Chapter, the procedure prescribed for summons-cases shall be followed [xxx] except as hereinafter mentioned. S.263 Record in cases where there is no appeal In cases where no appeal lies, the [Judicial Magistrate] [xxx] need not record the evidence of the witness or frame a formal charge ; but he [xxx] shall enter in such form as [the High Court] may direct the following particulars S.264 Record in appealable cases In every case tried summarily by a Magistrate [xxxx] in which an appeal lies, such Magistrate[xxxx] shall record the substance of the evidence and also the particulars mentioned in section 263 and shall before passing any sentence, record a judgment in the case]. S.265 Language of record and judgment Records made under section 263 and judgfments recorded under section 264 shall be written by the Presiding Officer, either in English or in the language of the Court.] S.265(a) Application of the Chapter (1) This Chapter shall apply in respect of an accused against whom- S.265(b) Application for plea bargaining (1) An accused of an offence may file application for plea-bargaining in the court in which such offence is pending for trial. S.265(c) Guidelines for mutually satisfactory disposition In working out a mutually satisfactory disposition under clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 265-B, the court shall follow the following procedure, namely :- S.265(d) Report of the mutually satisfactory disposition to be submitted before the CourtWhere in a meeting under section 265-C, a satisfactory disposition of the case has been worked out, the court shall prepare a report of such disposition which shall be signed by the Presiding Officer of the court and all other persons who participated in the meeting and if no such disposition has been worked out, the court shall record such observation and proceed further in accordance with the provisions of the Code from the stage the application under sub-section (1) of section 265-B has been filed in such case. S.265(e) Disposal of the case (1) Where a satisfactory disposition of the case has been worked out, under section 265-D, the court shall dispose of the case in the following manner, namely S.265(f) No disability on punishment under this ChapterNotwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force the punishment imposed under this Chapter shall be considered expiatory in nature and no person punished under this Chapter shall be liable to any disability under any law for the time being in force on the ground that he has been punished under this Chapter. S.265(g) Judgement of the court The court shall deliver its judgement in terms of section 265-E in the open court and the same shall be signed by the Presiding Officer x)f the court. S.265(h) Finality of the JudgementThe judgement delivered by the court under section 265-G shall be final and no appeal (except the special leave petition under Article 136 and writ petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India or writ petition under section 103 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir) shall lie in any court against such judgement. S.265(i) Powers of the court in plea-bargainingA court shall have, for the purpose of discharging its functions under this chapter, all the powers vested in respect of bail, trial of offences and other matter relating to the disposal of a case in such court, under this Code. S.265(j) Period of detention undergone by the accused to be set off against the sentence of imprisonmentThe provisions of section 397-A shall apply, for setting off the period of detention undergone by the accused against the sentence of imprisonment imposed under this chapter, in the same manner as they apply in respect of the imprisonment under other provisions of this Code. S.265(k) Savings The provisions of this chapter shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other provisions of this Code and nothing in such other provisions shall be construed to constrain the meaning of any other provisions of this chapter. S.266 Trial to be conducted by Public ProsecutorIn every trial before a Court of Session, the prosecution shall be conducted by a Public Prosecutor . S.267 Opening case for prosecution When the accused appears or is brought before the Court in pursuance of a commitment of the case under section 205-D the prosecutor shall open his case by describing the charge brought against the accused and stating by what evidence he proposes to prove the guilt of the accused. S.268 DischargeIf upon consideration of the record of the case and the documents submitted therewith, and after hearing the submissions of the accused and the prosecution in this behalf, the Judge considers that there is no sufficient ground for proceeding against the accused, he shall discharge the accused and record his reasons for so doing. S.269 Framing of charge (1) If, after such consideration and hearing as aforesaid, the Judge is of opinion that there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed an offence which- S.270 Conviction on plea of guilty If the accused pleads guilty, the Judge shall record the plea as nearly as possible in the words used by the accused and may, in his discretion, convict him thereon. S.271 Date for prosecution evidenceIf the accused refuses to plead, or does not plead, or claims to be tried or is not convicted under section 270 the Judge shall fix a date for the examination of witnesses and may, on the application of the prosecution, issue any process for compelling the attendance of any witness or the production of any document or other thing. S.272 Evidence for prosecution (1) On the date so fixed, the Judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced [in support of the prosecution except such evidence which the accused may admit in an application made in this behalf]. S.273 Acquittal If after taking the evidence for the prosecution, examining the accused and hearing the prosecution and the defence on the point, the Judge considers that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence, the Judge shall record an order of acquittal. S.274 Entering upon defence (1) Where the accused is not acquitted under section 273, he shall be called upon to enter on his defence and adduce any evidence he may have in support thereof. S.275 Arguments When the examination of the witnesses (if any) for the defence is complete, the prosecution shall sum up his case and the accused or his pleader shall be entitled to reply : S.276 Judgment of acquittal or conviction (1) After hearing arguments and points of law (if any), the Judge shall give a judgment in the case. S.277 Previous conviction In a case where a previous conviction is charged under the provisions of sub-section (7) of section 221, and the accused does not admit that he has been previously convicted as alleged in the charge, the Judge may, after he has convicted the said accused under section 270 or section 276, take evidence in respect of the alleged previous conviction, and shall record a finding thereon : S.278 .Omitted Legal Comments
Note: The above synthesis focuses on Section 278 Cr.P.C. as evidenced by the supplied sources, emphasizing its procedural role in recording and correcting witness depositions, the interpretation requirement when language barriers exist, and the balance between strict compliance and curable irregularities in the broader context of trial fairness. References are provided in square brackets after each point. S.279 .Omitted S.280 .Omitted S.281 .Omitted S.282 .Omitted S.283 .Omitted S.284 .Omitted S.285 .Omitted S.286 .Omitted S.287 .Omitted S.288 .Omitted S.289 .Omitted S.290 .Omitted S.291 .Omitted S.292 .Omitted S.293 .Omitted S.294 .Omitted S.295 .Omitted S.296 .Omitted S.297 .Omitted S.298 .Omitted S.299 .Omitted S.300 .Omitted S.301 .Omitted S.302 .Omitted S.303 .Omitted S.304 .Omitted S.305 .Omitted S.306 .Omitted S.307 .Omitted S.308 .Omitted S.309 .Omitted S.310 .Omitted S.311 .Omitted S.312 .Omitted S.313 .Omitted Legal Comments
S.314 .Omitted S.315 .Omitted S.316 .Omitted S.317 .Omitted S.318 .Omitted S.319 .Omitted S.320 .Omitted S.321 .Omitted S.322 .Omitted S.323 .Omitted S.324 .Omitted S.325 .Omitted S.326 .Omitted S.327 .Omitted S.328 .Omitted S.329 .Omitted S.330 .Omitted S.331 .Omitted S.332 .Omitted S.333 .Omitted S.334 .Omitted S.335 .Omitted S.336 .Omitted S.337 Tender of pardon to accomplice (1) In the case of any offence triable exclusively by the High Court or Court of Session, or any offence punishable with imprisonment [which may extend to seven years] or any offence under any of the following sections of the Ranbir Penal Code, namely, sections [161, 165], [165-A], 216-A, 369, 401, 435 and 477-A, [a Chief Judicial Magistrate, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any Judicial Magistrate of the first class may, at any stage of the investigation or enquiry into, or the trial of the offence, with a view to obtaining the evidence of any person supposed to have been directly or indirectly concerned in or privy to the offence tender a pardon to such person on condition of his making a full and true disclosure of the whole of the circumstances within his knowledge relative to the offence and to every other person concerned, whether as principal or abettor, in the commission thereof :] S.338 Power to direct tender of pardon At any time after commitment, but before judgment is passed, the Court to which the commitment is made may, with the view of obtaining on the trial the evidence of any person supposed to have been directly or indirectly concerned in, or privy to, any such offence, tender, or order the committing Magistrate or the [Chief Judicial Magistrate] to tender, a pardon on the same condition to such person. S.339 Commitment of person to whom pardon has been tendered (1) Where a pardon has been tendered under section 337 or section 338, and the Public Prosecutor certifies that in his opinion any person who has accepted such tender has, either by wilfully concealing anything essential or by giving false evidence, not complied with the condition on which the tender was made, such person may be tried for the offence in respect of which the pardon was so tendered, or for any other offence of which he appears to have been guilty in connection with the same matter : S.339(a) Procedure in trial of person under section 339 The Court trying under section 339 a person who has accepted a tender of pardon shall- S.340 Right of person against whom proceedings are instituted to be defended and his competency to be a witness (1) Any person accused of an offence before a criminal Court, or against whom proceedings are instituted under this Code in any such Court, may of right be defended by a pleader. S.340(a) Legal aid to accused at State expenses in certain cases (1) Where in a trial before the Court of Session, the accused is not represented by a pleader, and where, it appears to the Court that the accused has not sufficient means to engage a pleader, the Court shall assign a pleader for his defence at the expense of the State. S.341 Procedure where accused does not understand proceedingsIf the accused, though not insane, cannot be made to understand the proceedings, the Court may proceed with the inquiry or trial, and, in the case of a Court other than a High Court, if such inquiry results in a commitment, or if such trial results in a conviction, the proceedings shall be forwarded to the High Court with a report of the circumstances of the case, and the High Court shall pass thereon such order as it thinks fit. S.342 Power to examine the accused (1) For the purpose of enabling the accused to explain any circumstances appearing in the evidence against him, the Court may, at any stage of any inquiry or trial without previously warning the accused, put such questions to him as the Court considers necessary, and shall, for the purpose aforesaid, question him generally on the case after the witnesses for the prosecution have been examined and before he is called on for his defence. S.342(a) Accused person to be competent witness Any person accused of an offence before a criminal court shall be a competent witness for the defence and may give evidence on oath in disproof of the charges made against him or any person charged together with him at the same trial : S.343 No influence to be used to induce disclosuresExcept as provided in sections 337 and 338, no influence, by means of any promise or threat or otherwise, shall be used to an accused person to induce him to disclose or withhold any matter within his knowledge. S.344 Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings [(1) In every inquiry or trial, the proceedings shall be held as expeditiously as possible and in particular, when the examination of witnesses has once begun, the same shall be continued from day to day until all the witnesses in attendance have been examined, unless the Court finds the adjournment of the same beyond the following day to be necessary for reasons to be recorded]. S.345 Compounding offences(1) The offences punishable under the sections of the Ranbir Penal Code specified in the first two columns of the table next following may be compounded by the persons mentioned in the third column of that table :-
S.347 Procedure when, after commencement of inquiry or trial, Magistrate finds case should be committed (1) If in an enquiry before a Magistrate, or in any trial before a Magistrate, before signing judgement, it appears to him at any stage of the proceedings that the case is one which ought to be tried by the Court of Session or High Court, and if he is empowered to commit for trial, he shall commit the accused under the provisions hereinbefore contained. S.348 Trial of persons previously convicted of offences against coinage, stamp-law or property (1) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence punishable under Chapter XII or Chapter XVII of the Ranbir Penal-Code with imprisonment for a term of three years or upwards, is again accused of any offence punishable under either if those Chapters with imprisonment for a term of three years or upwards, shall, if the Magistrate before whom the case is pending is satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for committing the accused be committed to the Court of Session or High Court, as the case may be, unless the Magistrate is competent to try the case and is of opinion that he can himself pass an adequate sentence if the accused is convicted S.349 Procedure when Magistrate cannot pass sentence sufficiently severe (1) Whenever a [Judicial Magistrate of the second class,] having jurisdiction, is of opinion, after hearing the evidence for the prosecution and the accused, that the accused is guilty, and that he ought to receive a punishment different in kind from, or more severe than, that which such Magistrate is empowered to inflict, or that he ought to be required to execute a bond under section 106, he may record the opinion and submit his proceedings and forward the accused to the [Chief Judicial Magistrate] to whom he is subordinate. S.350 Conviction or commitment on evidence partly recorded by one Magistrate and partly by another (1) Whenever any Magistrate, after having heard and recorded the whole or any part of the evidence in an inquiry or a trial, ceases to exercise jurisdiction therein, and is succeeded by another Magistrate who has and who exercises such jurisdiction, the Magistrate so succeeding may act on the evidence so recorded by his predecessor, or partly recorded by his predecessor and partly recorded by himself: S.350(a) .Omitted S.350(a)(a) Application of section 350 to proceedings in Sessions Court The provisions of section 350 shall apply in relation to any inquiry or trial by a Sessions Judge in the same manner as they apply to an inquiry or trial by a Magistrate with the substitution of the word "Magistrate" by the words "Sessions Judge" wherever occurring therein.] S.351 Detention of offenders attending Court (1) Any person attending a criminal Court, although not under arrest or upon a summons, may be detained by such Court for the purpose of inquiry into or trial of any offence of which such Court can take cognizance and which, from the evidence, may appear to have been committed, and may be proceeded against as though he had been arrested or summoned. S.352 Courts to be open [(1) The place in which any criminal Court is held for the purpose of inquiring into or trying any offence shall be deemed an open Court, to which the public generally may have access, so far as the same can conveniently contain them: S.353 Evidence to be taken in presence of accusedExcept as otherwise expressly provided, all evidence taken under Chapters[xx], XX, XXI, XXII and XXIII shall be taken in the presence of the accused, or, when his personal attendance is dispensed with, in presence of his pleader. Legal Commentary on Section 353 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.)IntroductionSection 353 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.) pertains to the punishment for assault or use of criminal force against a public servant in the discharge of his duty. It is a vital provision safeguarding the integrity of public officials performing their lawful functions, ensuring that their duties are not obstructed by unlawful acts of violence or intimidation. What does Section 353 Say?Section 353 of the Cr.P.C. states:
This section criminalizes acts of violence or force used to hinder public servants from executing their official duties. Essential IngredientsThe essential ingredients of Section 353 are:- The act of assault or use of criminal force.- The victim must be a public servant.- The act must occur in the course of discharging or attempting to discharge official duty.- The act must be with intent to prevent or deter the public servant from performing his lawful duty.- Alternatively, the act can be in consequence of anything done or attempted in the lawful discharge of duty. Scope of SectionThe scope of Section 353 is broad, covering:- Acts of violence against any public servant during the execution of duty.- Acts aimed at deterring or obstructing public officials from performing their lawful functions.- Acts committed in consequence of lawful acts performed by the public servant.- It applies to all public servants, including police officers, revenue officials, judicial officers, and others discharging official duties. Legal interpretation emphasizes that the act must be linked directly to the discharge of official duties and with the intent to obstruct or deter such duties. Punishment for Section 353The punishment prescribed under Section 353 is:- Imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.- Or fine.- Or both. The section does not specify minimum imprisonment, giving courts discretion based on the severity of the act. Legal Comments (with references)
ConclusionSection 353 of the Cr.P.C. is a crucial safeguard for public servants, ensuring their protection from assault and criminal force during the lawful execution of their duties. Its broad scope and stringent penalties underscore the importance of maintaining public order and respect for official authority. Judicial interpretation emphasizes the necessity of establishing intent and the act's direct relation to official duty, with procedural safeguards ensuring fair trials and just punishments. S.354 Manner of recording evidence In inquires and trials (other than summary trials) under this Code by or before a Magistrate or Sessions Judge, the evidence of the witnesses shall be recorded in the following manner. S.355 Record in summons-cases and in trials of certain offences by first and second class Magistrates (1) In summons-cases tried before a Magistrate, and in cases of the offences mentioned in sub-section (1) of section 260, clauses (b) to (m), both inclusive, when tried by a Magistrate of the first or second class and in all proceedings under section 514 (if not in the course of a trial), the Magistrate shall make a memorandum of the substance of the evidence of each witness as the examination of the witness proceeds. S.356 Record in other cases (1) In all other trials before Courts of Session and Magistrates, and in all inquiries under [Chapter XII], the evidence of each witness shall be taken down in writing [in the language of the Court either by the Magistrate or Sessions Judge, with his own hand or from his dictation in open Court] or in his presence and hearing and under his personal direction and superintendence and [the evidence so taken down shall be signed by the Magistrate or Sessions Judge and shall form part of the record.] S.357 Language of record of evidence (1) [The Government] may direct that in any district or part of a district, or in proceedings before any Court of Session, or before any Magistrate or class of Magistrates the evidence of each witness shall, in the cases referred to in section 356, be taken down by the Sessions Judge or Magistrate with his own hand and in his mother-tongue, unless he is prevented by any sufficient reason from taking down the evidence of any witness, in which case he shall record the reason of his inability to do so and shall cause the evidence to be taken down in writing from his dictation in open Court. S.358 Option to Magistrate in cases under section 355In cases of the kind mentioned in section 355, the Magistrate may, if he thinks fit, take down the evidence of any witness in the manner provided in section 356, or, if within the local limits of the jurisdiction of such Magistrate [the Government] has made the order referred to in section 357, in the manner provided in the same section. S.359 Mode of recording evidence under section 356 or section 357 (1) Evidence taken under section 356 or section 357 shall not ordinarily be taken down in the form of question and answer, but in the form of a narrative. S.360 Procedure in regard to such evidence when completed (1) As the evidence of each witness taken under section 356 or section 357 is completed, it shall be read over to him in the presence of the accused, if in attendance, or of his pleader, if he appears by pleader, and shall if necessary, be corrected. S.361 Interpretation of evidence to accused or his pleader (1) Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused, and he is present in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open Court in a language understood by him. S.362 .Omitted S.363 Remarks respecting demeanour of witnessWhen a Sessions Judge or Magistrate has recorded the evidence of a witness, he shall also record such remarks (if any) as he thinks material respecting the demeanour of such witness whilst under examination. S.364 Examination of accused how recorded (1) Whenever the accused is examined by any Magistrate, or by any Court, the whole of such examination, including every question put to him and every answer given by him, shall-be recorded in full, in the language in which he is examined, or if that is not practicable, in the language of Court or in English; and such record shall be shown or read to him, or, if he does not understand the language in which it is written, shall be interpreted to him, in a language which he understands, and he shall be at liberty to explain or add to his answers. S.365 Record of evidence in High CourtThe High Court shall, from time to time, by general rule, prescribe the manner in which evidence shall be taken down in cases coming before the Court, and the evidence shall be taken down in accordance with such rule. S.366 Mode of delivering judgment (1) The judgment in every trial in any criminal Court of original jurisdiction shall be pronounced, or the substance of such judgment shall be explained,- S.367 Language of judgment, Contents of judgment (1) Every such judgment shall, except as otherwise expressly provided by this Code, be written by the presiding officer of the Court or from the dictation of such presiding officer in the language of the Court, or in English ; and shall contain the point or points for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for the decision ; and shall be dated and signed by the presiding officer in open Court at the time of pronouncing it and where it is not written by the presiding officer with his own hand, every page of such judgment shall be signed by him. S.368 Sentence of death (1) When any person is sentenced to death, the sentence shall direct that he be hanged by the neck till he is dead. S.369 Court not to alter-judgmentSave as otherwise provided by this Code or by any other law for the time being in force or, in the case of the High Court, by the constitution of High Court, no Court, when it has signed its judgment, shall alter or review the same, except to correct clerical error. S.370 .Omitted S.371 Copy of judgment, etc. to be given to, accused on application (1) On the application of the accused a copy of the judgment, or, when he so desires, a translation in his own language, if practicable, or in the language of the Court, shall be given to him without delay. Such copy shall, in any case other than a summons-case, be given free of cost. S.372 Judgment when to he translated The original judgment shall be filed with the record of proceedings, and, where the original is recorded in a different language from that of the Court, and the accused so requires, translation thereof into the language of the Court shall be added to such record. S.373 Court of Session to send copy of finding and sentence to District MagistrateIn cases tried by the Court of Session, the Court shall forward a copy of its finding and sentence (if any) to the District Magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the trial was held. S.374 Sentence of death or life imprisonment to be submitted by Court of SessionWhen the Court of Session passes sentence of death or life imprisonment, the proceedings shall be submitted to the High Court and the sentence shall not be executed unless it is confirmed by the High Court.] S.375 Power to direct further inquiry to be made or additional evidence to be taken (1) If, when such proceedings are submitted, the High Court thinks that a further inquiry should be made into, or additional evidence taken upon, any point bearing upon, the guilt or innocence of the convicted person, it may make such inquiry or take such evidence itself, or direct it to be made or taken by the Court of Session. S.376 Power of High Court to confirm sentence or annual conviction [In any case submitted under section 374, the High Court]- S.377 .Omitted S.378 Procedure in case of difference of opinion When any such case is heard before a Bench of Judges and such Judges are equally divided in opinion, the case shall be heard by a full Bench, and the judgment or order shall follow the opinion of the Full Bench or of the majority of the Full Bench.] Legal Comments
Notes:- The above points synthesize concise legal observations drawn from multiple cited cases and extracts. Where a point could not be substantiated by the provided sources, it has been omitted.- Citations are included in brackets after each summary item, as requested. S.379 Procedure in cases submitted to High Court for confirmation In cases submitted by the Court of Session to the High Court for the confirmation of a sentence of death, or life imprisonment, the proper officer of the High Court shall, without delay, after the order of conformation or other order has been made by the [the High Court,] send a copy of the order, under the seal of the High Court and attested with his official signature, to the Court of Session. S.380 Procedure in cases submitted by Magistrate not empowered to ad under section 562Where proceedings are submitted to a [Judicial Magistrate of the first class] as provided by section 562, such Magistrate may thereupon pass such sentence or make such order as he might have passed or made if the case had originally been heard by him, and, if he thinks further inquiry or additional evidence on any point to be necessary, he may make such inquiry or take such evidence himself or direct such inquiry or evidence to be made or taken. S.381 Execution of order passed under section 376When a sentence of death or life imprisonment passed by a Court of Session is submitted to the High Court for confirmation, such Court of Session, shall, on receiving the order of confirmation or other order thereon, cause such order to be carried into effect by issuing a warrant or taking such other steps as may be necessary]. S.382 Postponement of capital sentence on pregnant womanIf a woman sentenced to death is found to be pregnant, [the Government] shall order the execution of the sentence to be postponed, and may, if it thinks fit, commute the sentence to imprisonment for life. S.383 Execution of sentences of life imprisonment or imprisonment in other casesWhere the accused is sentenced to life imprisonment or imprisonment in cases other than those provided for by section 381, the Court passing the sentence shall forthwith forward a warrant to the jail in which he is, or is to be, confined, and, unless the accused is already confined in such jail, shall forward him to such jail, with the warrant. S.384 Direction of warrant for execution Every warrant for the execution of a sentence of imprisonment shall be directed to the officer incharge of the jail or other place which the prisoner is, or is to be confined. S.385 Warrant with whom to be lodgedWhen the prisoner is to be confined in a jail, the warrant shall be lodged with the jailor. S.386 Warrant for levy of fine (1) Whenever an offender has been sentenced to pay a fine, the Court passing the sentence may take action for the recovery of the fine in either or both of the following ways, that is to say, it may- S.387 Effect of such warrantA warrant issued under section 386, sub-section (1), clause (a), by any Court may be executed within the local limits of the jurisdiction of such Court, and it shall authorise the attachment and sale of any such property without such limits, when endorsed by the District Magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction such property is found. S.387(a) Warrant for levy of fine issued by Courts in India outside Jammu and Kashmir State Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code or in any other law for the time being in force when an offender has been sentenced to pay a fine by a Criminal Court in India outside the Jammu and Kashmir State and the Court passing the sentence issues a warrant to the Collector of District in the territories to which this Code extends authorising him to realise the amount by execution according to civil process against the movable or immovable property, or both, of the defaulter, such warrant shall be deemed to be a warrant issued under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 386 by a Court in the territories to which this Code extends and the provisions of sub-section (3) of the said section as to the execution of such warrant shall apply accordingly.] S.388 Suspension of execution of sentence of imprisonment (1) When an offender has been sentenced to fine only and to imprisonment in default of payment of the fine, and the fine is not paid forthwith, the Court may- S.389 Who may issue warrant Every warrant for the execution of any sentence may be issued either by the Judge or Magistrate who passed the sentence, or by his successor in office. S.390 .Omitted S.391 . Omitted S.392 .Omitted S.393 .Omitted S.394 .Omitted S.395 .Omitted S.396 Execution of sentences on escaped convicts (1) When sentence is passed under this Code on an escaped convict, such sentence, if of death, [imprisonment for life or fine], shall, subject to the provisions hereinbefore contained, take effect immediately, and, if of imprisonment [x x], shall take effect according to the following rules, that is to say S.397 Sentence on offender already sentenced for another offence (1) When a person already undergoing a sentence of imprisonment is sentenced on a subsequent conviction to imprisonment or imprisonment for life, such imprisonment or imprisonment for life shall commence at the expiration of the imprisonment to which he has been previously sentenced, unless the Court directs that the subsequent sentence shall run concurrently with such previous sentence: Legal Commentary: Section 397 of the Jammu and Kashmir (now applicable) Criminal Procedure Code, 1989IntroductionSection 397 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1989 governs the revisional jurisdiction of the High Court and the Sessions Judge. It serves as a supervisory mechanism to ensure that inferior criminal courts do not exceed their jurisdiction, abuse their powers, or commit errors leading to a miscarriage of justice. While primarily a right of the State to scrutinize lower court orders during the pendency of a trial or conviction, specific provisions exist to prevent multiplicity of proceedings by barring second revisions under subsection (3). However, the bar on revision does not extinguish the High Court's inherent powers under Section 482 when there is an abuse of the process of the court. What Section SaysSection 397 outlines specific grounds upon which the High Court or a Sessions Judge may call for and examine the record of any proceeding before an inferior Criminal Court:* (1) Unsatisfactory conclusion (Sentence/Order): Where the sentence or order is erroneous.* (2) Interlocutory Orders: Explicitly bars revision against orders solely affecting the procedure and not the merits (unless they affect substantive rights).* (3) Double Revision Bar: Prohibits a second revision application by the same person if one has already been made to either the High Court or the Sessions Judge. Essential IngredientsTo successfully invoke Section 397, the revisional court generally requires:* Existence of an Inferior Court Order: There must be a finding, sentence, or order passed by a Magistrate or Court of Sessions.* Grounds for Interference: The order must suffer from one of the following: * Misconception of Law: Error of law in the application of statutes. * Regularity of Proceedings: Irregularities in the procedure leading to miscarriage of justice. * Apparent harshness or neglect: Undeserved hardship to individuals due to neglect of proper precautions.* Substantive Impact: The order must affect the rights/liabilities of the parties; mere procedural delays without prejudice may not warrant revision unless they culminate in failure of justice. Scope of Section
Punishment for Section
Legal Comments
S.397(a) Period of detention undergone by the accused to be set off against the sentence of imprisonment Where an accused person has on conviction been sentenced to imprisonment for a term, the period of detention, if any, undergone by him during the investigation, inquiry or trial of the same case and before the date of such conviction, shall be set off against the term of imprisonment imposed on him on such conviction, and the liability of such person to undergo imprisonment on such conviction shall be restricted to the remainder, if any, of the term of imprisonment imposed on him: S.398 Saving as to sections 396 and 397 (1) Nothing in section 396 or section 397 shall be held to excuse any person from any part of the punishment to which he is liable upon his former or subsequent conviction. S.399 Conviction of youthful offenders in reformatories (1) When any person under the age of fifteen years is sentenced by any Criminal Court to imprisonment for any offence, the Court may direct that such person, instead of being imprisoned in a criminal jail, shall be confined in any reformatory established by [the Government] as a fit place for confinement, in which there are means of suitable discipline and of training in some branch of useful industry or which is kept by a person willing to obey such rules as [the Government] prescribes with regard to the discipline and training of persons confined therein. S.400 Return of warrant on execution of sentenceWhen a sentence has been fully executed, the officer executing it shall return the warrant to the Court from which it issued, with an endorsement under his hand certifying the manner in which the sentence has been executed. S.401 Power to suspend or remit sentences (1) When any person has been sentenced to punishment for an offence, [the Governor]may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he has been sentenced. S.402 Power to commute punishment (1) [The Governor] may, without the consent of the person sentenced, commute any one of the following sentences for any other mentioned after it :- S.403 Person once convicted or acquitted not be tried for the same offence (1) A person who has once been tried by a Court of competent jurisdiction for an offence and convicted or acquitted of such offence shall, which such conviction or acquitted remains in force, shall not be liable to be tried again for the same offence, nor on the same facts for any other offence for which a different charge from the one made against him might have been made under section 236, or for which he might have been convicted under section 237. S.404 Unless otherwise provided, no appeal to lieNo appeal shall lie from any judgment or order of a Criminal Court except as provided for by this Code or by any other law for the time being in force. S.405 Appeal from order rejecting application for restoration of attached propertyAny person whose application under section 89 for the delivery of property or the proceeds of the sale thereof has been rejected by any Court, may appeal to the Court to which appeals ordinarily lie from the sentences of the former Court. S.406 Appeal from order requiring security for keeping the peace or for good behaviour Any person who has been ordered under section 118 to give security for keeping the peace or for good behaviour may appeal against such order made by any Magistrate, to the Court of Sessions : S.406(a) Appeal from order refusing to accept or rejecting a suretyAny person aggrieved by an order refusing to accept or rejecting a surety under section 122 may appeal against such order to the Court of Session]. S.407 .Omitted S.408 Appeal from sentence of Assistant Sessions Judge or any other Magistrate Any person convicted on a trial held by an Assistant Sessions Judge, [or a Judicial Magistrate or any person sentenced under 349 or in respect of whom an order has been made or a sentence has been passed under section 380 by a Judicial Magistrate], may appeal to the Court of Session: S.409 Appeals to Courts of Session how heard (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, an appeal to the Court of Session or Sessions Judge shall be heard by the Sessions Judge or by an Additional Sessions Judge or an Assistant Sessions Judge : S.410 Appeal from sentence of Court of Session Any person convicted on a trial held by a Sessions Judge, or an Additional Sessions Judge, may appeal to the High Court. S.411 Appeal from sentence of Special Judge Any person convicted on a trial held by a Special Judge, appointed under section 259-A of this Code, may appeal to the High Court.] S.411(a) Appeal from sentences of High Court (1) Any person convicted on a trial held by the High Court in the exercise of its original criminal jurisdiction may, notwithstanding anything contained in section 418 [x x x] or in the Letters Patent or law by which the High Court is constituted or continued, appeal to the High Court- S.412 No appeal in certain cases when accused pleads guiltyNotwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, where an accused person has pleaded guilty and has been convicted [by the High Court, a Court of Sessions] or [Judicial Magistrate of the first class] on such plea, there shall be no appeal except as to the extent or legality of the sentence. S.413 No appeal in petty cases Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, there shall be no appeal by a convicted person in cases in which the High Court passes a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding six months only or fine not exceeding two hundred rupees only or in which Court of Session passes a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding one month only, or in which a Court of Session or [Chief Judicial Magistrate or other Judicial Magistrate] of the first class passes a sentence of fine not exceeding fifty rupees only. S.414 No appeal from certain summary convictions Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, there shall be no appeal by a convicted person in any case tried summarily in which a Magistrate empowered to act under section 260 passes a sentence of fine not exceeding two hundred rupees only. S.415 Proviso to section 413 and 414 An appeal may be brought against any sentence referred to in section 413 or section 414 by which 4[punishment therein mentioned is combined with any other punishment], but no sentence which would not otherwise be liable to appeal shall be appealable merely on the ground that the person convicted is ordered to find security to keep the peace. S.415(a) Special right of appeal in certain cases Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, when more persons .than one are convicted in one trial, and an appealable judgment or order has been passed in respect of any of such persons, all or any of the persons convicted at such trial shall have a right of appeal. S.416 .Omitted S.417 Appeal in case of acquittal Subject to the provisions of sub-section (4), the Government may, in any case, direct the Public Prosecutor to present an appeal to the High Court from an original or appellate order of acquittal passed by any Court other than the High Court. S.418 Appeal on what matters admissible (1) An appeal may lie on a fact as well as a matter of law [x x x]. S.419 Petition of appeal Every appeal shall be made in the form of a petition in writing presented by the appellant or his pleader, and every such petition shall (unless the Court to which it is presented otherwise directs) be accompanied by a copy of the judgment or order appealed against [x x x x x], S.420 Procedure when appellant in jailIf the appellant is in jail, he may present his petition of appeal and the copies accompanying the same to the officer-in-charge of the jail, who shall thereupon forward such petition and copies to the proper Appellate Court. S.421 Summary dismissal of appeal (1) On receiving the petition and copy under section 419 or section 420, the Appellate Court shall peruse the same, and, if it considers that there is no sufficient ground for interfering it may dismiss the appeal summarily: S.422 Notice of appeal If the Appellate Court does not dismiss the appeal summarily, it shall cause notice to be given to the appellant or his pleader, and to such officer as [the Government] may appoint in this behalf, of the time and place at which such appeal will be heard, and shall, on the application of such officer, furnish him with a copy of the ground of appeal ; S.423 Powers of Appellate Court in disposing of appeal (1) The Appellate Court shall then send for the record of the case, if such record is not already in Court. After perusing such record, and hearing the appellant or his pleader, if he appears, and the Public Prosecutor, if he appears, and, in case of an appeal under section 417, the accused, if he appears, the Court may, if it considers that there is no sufficient ground for interfering, dismiss the appeal, or may- S.424 Judgments of subordinate Appellate Courts The rules contained in Chapter XXVI as to the judgment of a Criminal Court of original jurisdiction shall apply, so far as may be practicable, to the judgment of any Appellate Court other than [the High Court] : S.425 Order by High Court on appeal to be certified to lower Court (1) Whenever a case is decided on appeal by the High Court under this Chapter, it shall certify its judgment or order to the Court by which the finding, sentence or order appealed against was recorded or passed. If the findings, sentence or order was recorded or passed by a Magistrate other than the [Chief Judicial Magistrate], the certificate shall be sent through the [Chief Judicial Magistrate]. S.426 Suspension of sentence pending appeal, release of appellant on bail (1) Pending any appeal by a convicted person, the Appellate Court may, for reasons to be recorded by it in writing, order that the execution of the sentence or order appealed against be suspended and, also, if he is in confinement, that he be released on bail or on his own bond. S.427 Arrest of accused in appeal from acquittal When an appeal is presented under section 417, the High Court may issue a warrant directing that the accused be arrested and brought before it or any subordinate Court, and the Court-before which he is brought may commit him to prison pending the disposal of the appeal, or admit him to bail. S.428 Appellate Court may take further evidence or direct it to be taken (1) In dealing with any appeal under this Chapter, the Appellate Court, if it thinks additional evidence to be necessary, shall record its reasons, and may either take such evidence itself, or direct it to be taken by a or, when the Appellate Court is the High Court, by a Court of Session or a [Judicial Magistrate]. S.429 Procedure where Judges of Court of appeal are equally divided When the Judges composing the Court of appeal are equally divided in opinion, the case, with their opinions thereon, shall be laid before another Judge of the same Court, and such Judge, after such hearing (if any) as he thinks fit, shall deliver his opinion, and the judgment or order shall follow such opinion. S.430 Finality of orders on appeal Judgment and orders passed by an Appellate Court upon appeal shall be final, except in the cases provided for in section 417 and Chapter XXXII.] S.431 Abatement of appealsEvery appeal under section 417 shall finally abate on the death of the accused, and every other appeal under this Chapter (except an appeal from a sentence of fine) shall finally abate on the death of the appellant. S.432 Reference to High Court (1) Where any Court is satisfied that a case pending before it involves a question as to the validity of any Act or Ordinance, or of any provision contained in an Act or Ordinance, the determination of which is necessary for the disposal of the case, and is of opinion that such Act or Ordinance or provision is invalid or inoperative, but has not been so declared by the High Court to which that Court is subordinate or by the Supreme Court, the Court shall state a case setting out its opinion and the reasons therefor, and refer the same for the decision of the High Court. S.433 Disposal of case according to,decision of High Court (1) When a question has been so referred, the High Court shall pass such order thereon as it thinks fit, and shall cause a copy of such order to be sent to the Magistrate by whom the reference was made, who shall dispose of the case conformably to the said order. S.434 .Omitted S.435 Calling for records to exercise powers of revision (1) The High Court or any Sessions Judge may call for and examine the record of any proceeding before any inferior criminal court situate within its or his local jurisdiction for the purpose of satisfying itself or himself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of any finding, sentence or order, recorded or passed, and as to the regularity of any proceedings of such inferior Court, and may, when calling for such record, direct that the execution of any sentence or order be suspended, and if the accused is in confinement, that he be released on bail or on his own bond pending the examination of the record. S.436 Power to order inquiry On examining any record under section 435 or otherwise, the High Court or the Sessions Judge may direct the Chief Judicial Magistrate by himself or by any of the Magistrates subordinate to him to make, and the Chief Judicial Magistrate may himself make or direct any Subordinate Magistrate to make, further inquiry into any complaint which has been dismissed under section 203 or sub-section (3) of section 204, or into the case of any person accused of an offence who has been discharged : S.437 Power to order commitment When, on examining the record of any case under section 435 or otherwise, the Sessions Judge or [Chief Judicial Magistrate] considers that such case is triable exclusively by the Court of Session and that an accused person has been improperly discharged by the inferior Court, the Sessions Judge or [Chief Judicial Magistrate] may cause him to be arrested, and may thereupon, instead of directing a fresh inquiry, order him to be committed for trial upon the matter of which he has been, in the opinion of the Sessions Judge or [Chief Judicial Magistrate], improperly discharged : S.438 Sessions Judge's powers of revision (1) In the case of any proceeding the record of which has been called for by him, the Sessions Judge may exercise all or any of the powers which may be exercised by the High Court under sub-section (1) of section 439. S.439 High Court's powers of revision (1) In the case of any proceedings the record of which has been called for by itself or which has been reported for orders, or which otherwise comes to its knowledge, the High Court may, in its discretion, exercise any of the powers conferred on a Court of appeal by sections 423, 426, 427 and 428 or on a Court by section 338, and may enhance the sentence ; and, when the Judges composing the Court of revision are equally divided in opinion, the case shall be disposed of in the manner provided by section 429. S.440 Optional with Court to hear parties No party has any right to be heard either personally or by pleader before any Court when exercising its powers of revision : S.441 .Omitted S.442 High Court's order to be certified to lower Court or MagistrateWhen a case is revised under this Chapter by the High Court, it shall, in manner hereinbefore provided by section 425, certify its decision or order to the Court by which the finding, sentence or order revised was recorded or passed, and the Court or Magistrate to which the decision or order is so certified shall thereupon make such orders as are conformable to the decision so certified; and, if necessary, the record shall be amended in accordance therewith. S.443 .Omitted S.444 .Omitted S.445 .Omitted S.446 .Omitted S.447 .Omitted S.448 .Omitted S.449 .Omitted S.450 .Omitted S.451 .Omitted S.452 .Omitted S.453 .Omitted S.454 .Omitted S.455 .Omitted S.456 .Omitted S.457 .Omitted S.458 .Omitted S.459 .Omitted S.460 .Omitted S.461 .Omitted S.462 .Omitted S.463 .Omitted S.464 Procedure in case of accused being lunatic (1) When a Magistrate holding an inquiry or a trial has reason to believe that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, the Magistrate shall inquire into the fact of such unsoundness, and shall cause such person to be examined by the Chief Medical Officer of the Province or such other medical officer as[the Government] direct, and thereupon shall examine such Chief Medical Officer or other officer as a witness and shall reduce the examination to writing. S.465 Procedure in case of person committed before Court of Session or High Court being lunatic (1) If any person committed for trial before a Court of Session or the High Court appears to the Court at his trial to be of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence the Court [xxx] shall, in the first instance, try the fact of such unsoundness and incapacity, and if the Court is satisfied of the fact, the Judge shall record a finding to that effect and shall postpone further proceedings in the case. S.466 Release of lunatic pending investigation or trial (1) Whenever an accused person is found to be of unsound mind and incapable of making his defence, the Magistrate or Court, as the case may be, whether the case is one in which bail may be taken or not, may release him on sufficient security being given that he shall be properly taken care of and shall be prevented from doing injury to himself or to any other person, and for his appearance when required before the Magistrate or Court or such officer as the Magistrate or Court appoints in this behalf. S.467 Resumption of inquiry or trial (1) Whenever an inquiry or a trial is postponed under section 464 or section 465, the Magistrate or Court, as the case may be, may at any time resume the inquiry or trial, and require the accused to appear or be brought before such Magistrate or Court. S.468 Procedure on accused appearing before Magistrate or Court (1) If, when the accused appears or is again brought before the Magistrate or the Court, as the case may be, the Magistrate or Court considers him capable of making his defence, the inquiry or trial shall proceed. S.469 When accused appears to have been insaneWhen the accused appears to be of sound mind at the time of inquiry or trial, and the Magistrate is satisfied from the evidence given before him that there is reason to believe that the accused committed an act which, if he had been of sound mind, would have been an offence, and that he was, at the time when the act was committed, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act or that it was wrong or contrary to law, the Magistrate shall proceed with the case, and if the accused ought to be committed to the Court of Session or High Court, send him, for trial before the Court of Session or High Court, as the case may be. S.470 Judgment of acquittal on ground of lunacy Whenever any person is acquitted upon the ground that, at the time at which he is alleged to have committed an offence, he was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act alleged as constituting the offence, or that it was wrong or contrary to law, the finding shall state specifically whether he committed the act or not. S.471 Person acquitted on such ground to be detained in safe custody (1) Whenever the finding states that the accused person committed the act alleged, the Magistrate or Court before whom or which the trial has been held, shall, if such act would, but for the incapacity found, have constituted an offence, order such person to be detained in safe custody in such place and manner as the Magistrate or court thinks fit, and shall report the action taken to [the Government] : S.472 .Omitted S.473 Procedure where lunatic prisoner is reported capable of making his defenceIf such person is detained under the provisions of section 466, and in the case of a person detained in a jail, the Minister-in-charge of jail, or, in the case of a person detained in a lunatic asylum, the visitors of such asylum or any two of them shall certify that, in his or their opinion,'such person is capable of making his defence, he shall be taken before the Magistrate or Court, as the case may be, at such time as the Magistrate or Court appoints, and the Magistrate or Court shall deal with such person under the provisions of section 468 ; and the certificate of such Minister or visitors as aforesaid shall be receivable as evidence. S.474 Procedure where lunatic detained under section 466 or 471 is declared fit to be released (1) If such person is detained under the provisions of section 466 or section 471, and such Minister or visitors shall certify that, in his or their judgment, he may be released without danger of his doing injury to himself or to any other person, [the Government] may thereupon order him to be released, or to be detained in custody, or to be transferred to a public lunatic asylum if he has not been already sent to such an asylum ; and, in case it orders him to be transferred to an asylum, may appoint a Commission, consisting of a judicial and two medical officers. S.475 Delivery of lunatic to take care of relative or friend (1) Whenever any relative or friend of any person detained under the provisions of section 466 or section 471 desires that he shall be delivered to his care and custody, Minister-in-charge may, upon the application of such relative or friend and on his giving security to the satisfaction of Minister-in-charge that the person delivered shall- S.476 Procedure in cases mentioned in section 195 (1) When any Civil, Revenue or Criminal Court is, whether on application, made to it in this behalf or otherwise, of opinion that it is expedient in the interest of justice that an inquiry should be made into any offence referred to in section 195, sub-section (1), clause (b) or clause (c), which appears to have been committed in or in relation to a proceeding in that Court, such Court may, after such preliminary inquiry, if any, as it thinks necessary, record a finding to that effect and make a complaint thereof in writing signed by the presiding officer of the Court, and shall forward the same to Magistrate of the first class having jurisdiction, and may take sufficient security for the appearance of the accused before such Magistrate or if the alleged offence is non-bailable may, if it thinks necessary so to do, send the accused in custody to such Magistrate, and may bind over any person to appear and give evidence before S.476(a) Superior Court may complain where subordinate Court has omitted to do soThe power conferred on Civil, Revenue and Criminal Court by section 476, sub-section (1), may be exercised, in respect of any offence referred to therein and alleged to have been committed in or in relation to any proceeding in any such Court, by the Court to which such former Court is subordinate within the meaning of section 195, sub-section (3) in any case in which such former Court has neither made a complaint under section 476 in respect of such offence nor rejected an application for the making of such complaint ; and, where the superior Court makes such complaint, the provisions of section 476 shall apply accordingly. S.476(b) Appeals Any person on whose application any Civil, Revenue or Criminal Court has refused to make a complaint under section 476 or section 476-A, or against whom such a complaint has been made, may appeal to the Court to which such former Court is subordinate within the meaning of section 195, sub-section (3), and the superior Court may thereupon, after notice to the parties concerned direct the withdrawal of the complaint or, as the case may be, itself make the complaint which the subordinate Court might have made under section 476, and, if it makes such complaint the provisions of that section shall apply accordingly. S.477 .Omitted S.478 Power of Civil and Revenue Courts to complete inquiry and commit to High Court or Court of Session (1) When any such offence is committed before any Civil or Revenue Court, or brought under the notice of any Civil or Revenue Court in the course of a judicial proceeding, and the case is triable exclusively by the High Court or Court of Session, or. such Civil or Revenue Court thinks that it ought to be tried by the High Court or Court of Session, such Civil or Revenue Court may, instead of sending the case under section 476 to a Magistrate for inquiry, itself complete the inquiry, and commit or hold to bail the accused person to take his trial before the High Court or Court of Session, as the case may be. S.479 Procedure of Civil or Revenue Court in such casesWhen any such commitment is made by a Civil or Revenue Court, the Court shall send the charge with the order of commitment and the record of the case to the [Chief Judicial Magistrate or any other Judicial Magistrate] authorised to commit for trial, and such Magistrate shall bring the case before the High Court or Court of Session, as the case may be, together with the witness for the prosecution and defence. S.479(a) Procedure in certain cases of false evidence (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 476 to 479 inclusive, when any Civil Revenue or Criminal Court is of opinion that any person appearing before it as a witness has intentionally given false evidence in any stage of the judicial proceeding, or has intentionally fabricated false evidence for the purpose of being used in any stage of the judicial proceeding, and that, for the eradication of the evils of perjury and fabrication of false evidence and in the interests of justice, it is expedient that such witness should be prosecuted for the offence which appears to have been committed by him, the Court shall, at the time of the delivery of the judgment or final order disposing of such proceeding, record a finding to that effect, stating its reasons therefor and may, if it so thinks fit, after giving the witness an opportunity of being heard, make a complaint thereof in writing signed by the presiding officer of th S.479(b) Summary procedure for trial of witnesses deposing contrary to statements recorded under section 164-A by Magistrate If, at the time of any judgement or final order disposing of any judicial proceeding, a court of Sessions or Magistrate of the first class expresses an opinion to the effect that, any witness, whose statement recorded under, sub-section (2) of section 164-A in respect of one offence or in respect of a different offence as referred to in sub-section (2) of section 221, appearing in such proceeding and subsequently retracted his statement in material particulars by stating inconsistent facts or had changed his version by narrating new facts which were destructive of the prosecution case and the court of Sessions or a Magistrate of first class is satisfied that such retraction, contradiction or change of version is of such a nature that the witness is guilty of knowingly or willfully giving false evidence or fabricating false evidence with the intention that such evidence should be used in such proceeding, it or he may, if satis S.480 Procedure in certain cases of contempt When any such offence as is described in section 175, section 178, section 179, section 180, or section 228 of the Ranbir Penal Code is committed in the view of presence of any Civil, Criminal or Revenue Court, the Court may cause the offender, to be detained in custody ; and at any time before the rising of the Court on the same day may, if it thinks fit, take cognizance of offence and sentence the offender to fine not exceeding two hundred rupees, and, in default of payment, to simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, unless such fine be sooner paid. S.481 Record in such cases (1) In every such case the Court shall record the facts constituting the offence, with the statement (if any) made by the offender, as well as the finding and sentence. S.482 Procedure where Court considers that case should not be dealt with under section 480 (1) If the Court in any case considers that a person accused of any of the offences referred to in section 480 and committed in its view or presence should be imprisoned otherwise than in default of payment of fine, or that a fine exceeding two hundred rupees should be imposed upon him, or such Court is for any other reason of opinion that the case should not be disposed of under section 480, such Court, after recording the facts constituting the offence and the statement of the accused as hereinbefore provided may forward the case to a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the same, and may require security to be given for the appearance of such accused person before such Magistrate, or, if sufficient security is not given, shall forward such person in custody to such Magistrate. Legal Commentary on Section 482 of the Jammu & Kashmir Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.)IntroductionSection 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), 1989 (J&K), corresponds to Section 482 of the Central Cr.P.C. 1973. It is a "saving clause" designed to preserve the inherent powers of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir. These powers are not granted by the statute but are preserved to ensure the effective administration of justice, prevent the abuse of the process of any court, and give effect to orders under the Code. The section mandates that nothing in the Code shall limit or affect these inherent powers. What Does Section 482 Say?Section 482 explicitly states that nothing in the Cr.P.C. 1989 shall be deemed to limit or affect the inherent powers of the High Court to make such orders as may be necessary for three specific purposes:1. To give effect to any order under the Code.2. To prevent the abuse of the process of any court.3. Otherwise to secure the ends of justice.The provision emphasizes that the High Court's powers are wide-ranging but must be exercised sparingly and with caution, acting as a guardian of justice rather than an appellate or revisional body at this stage. Essential IngredientsFor the High Court to intervene under Section 482, certain ingredients must be present based on judicial precedents:* Abuse of Process or Miscarriage of Justice: There must be a clear demonstration that the proceedings amount to an abuse of the process of the law (e.g., filing of false complaints, frivolous vexatious proceedings) or that a grave miscarriage of justice would otherwise ensue.* No Specific Legislative Provision: The Code or any other law must not provide a specific remedy for the grievance; if a statutory remedy (like revision or appeal) is available and not exhausted without cause, Section 482 may not be invoked to circumvent it.* Judicial Restraint: The High Court must not act as a court of appeal or review unless there is a patent illegality or an error of law that vitiates the proceedings. The court should not embark on an enquiry into whether allegations are likely to be established by evidence, as that is the function of the Trial Court.* Sparing Exercise: The power must be exercised sparingly, carefully, and cautiously, only when necessary to meet the ends of justice, avoiding needless multiplicity of procedure or unnecessary delay. Scope of Section 482The scope of Section 482 is extensive but strictly bounded by the nature of the proceeding:* Quashing of Proceedings: The High Court can quash FIRs, summoning orders, and charge sheets if they do not disclose any offence or are frivolous. This power exists even on the filing of a charge sheet.* Civil vs. Criminal Nature: A critical distinction is that Section 482 applies only to proceedings before a "Criminal Court." Proceedings under Chapter IV of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 are civil in nature; hence, petitions under Section 482 to quash them are not maintainable, and Article 227 of the Constitution must be used instead. Conversely, proceedings under Section 12 of the DV Act become criminal only if an offence under Section 31 (breach of protection order) is implicated.* Bar of Revision: Even if revision is barred under Section 397(3) of the Code, a petition under Section 482 is maintainable if there is a grave miscarriage of justice or abuse of process. However, if a revision petition was dismissed as "not pressed," the High Court generally refuses to entertain a subsequent Section 482 petition to prevent circumvention of the Code.* Special Acts: Section 482 cannot be used to override specific bars in special laws (e.g., the Enemy Agents Ordinance may bar inherent jurisdiction). Similarly, it applies to offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if specific procedural mandates (like sanction for public servants) are violated, but it cannot be used to quash proceedings where the Magistrate failed to discharge the mandatory function of determining a prima facie case required by the Atrocities Act. Punishment for SectionThere is no punishment provided for invoking or failing to invoke Section 482, as it is a substantive power vested in the High Court to regulate criminal procedure. However, if a petitioner misuses Section 482 to delay proceedings without merit (circumventing revision bars), courts may refuse to entertain the application to curb the pendency of criminal cases and ensure expeditious trial. Legal Comments
S.483 When Registrar or Sub-Registrar to be deemed a Civil Court within sections 480 and 482 When [the Government] so direct, any Registrar or any Sub-Registrar appointed under the Registration Act, 1977, shall be deemed to be a Civil Court within the meaning of sections 480 and 482. S.484 Discharge of offender on submission or apologyWhen any Court has under section 480 or section 482 adjudged an offender to punishment or forwarded him to- a Magistrate for trial for refusing or omitting to do anything which he was lawfully required to do, or for any intentional insult or interruption, the Court may, in its discretion, discharge the offender or remit the punishment on his submission to the order or requisition of such Court, or on apology being made to its satisfaction. S.485 Imprisonment or committal of person refusing to answer or produce documentIf any witness or person called to produce a document or thing before a Criminal Court refuses to answer such questions as are put to him or to produce any document or thing in his possession or power which the Court requires him to produce, and does not offer any reasonable excuse for such refusal, such Court may, for reasons to be recorded in writing sentence him to simple imprisonment, or by warrant under the hand of the presiding Magistrate or Judge commit him to the custody of an officer of the Court, for any term not exceeding seven days, unless in the meantime such person consents to be examined and to answer, or to produce the document or thing. In the event of his persisting in his refusal, he may be dealt "with according to the provisions or section 480 or section 482. S.485(a) Summary procedure for punishment for non-attendance by a witness in obedience to summons (1) If any witness being summoned to appear before a Criminal Court is legally bound to appear at a certain place and time in obedience to the summons and without just excuse neglects or refuses to attend at that place or time or departs from the place where he has to attend before the time at which it is lawful for him to depart, and the Court before which the witness is to appear is satisfied that it is expedient in the interests of justice that such witness should be tried summarily, the Court may take cognizance of the offence and after giving the offender an opportunity of showing cause why he should not be punished under this section, sentence him to fine not exceeding one hundred rupees. S.486 Appeals from convictions in contempt cases (1) Any person sentenced by any Court under section 480 or section 485 [or section 485-A] may, notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, appeal to the Court to which decrees or orders made in such Courts are ordinarily appealable. S.487 Certain Judges and Magistrates not to try offences referred to in section 195 when committed before themselves (1) Except as provided in sections 480 and 485, no Judge of a Criminal Court or Magistrate other than a Judge of the High Court, shall try any person for any offence referred to in section 195, when such offence is committed before him self or in contempt of his authority, or is brought under his notice as such Judge or Magistrate in the course of a judicial proceeding. S.488 Order for maintenance of wives, children and parent (1) If any person having sufficient means neglects or refuses to maintain- S.489 Alteration in allowance (1) On proof of a change in the circumstances of any person receiving under section 488 a monthly allowance, or ordered under the same section to pay a monthly allowance to his [wife, child, father or mother] the Magistrate may make such alteration in the allowance as he thinks fit provided : that if he increases the allowance, the monthly rate of [two thousand rupees]in the whole be not exceeded. S.490 Enforcement of order of maintenance A copy of the order of maintenance shall be given without payment to the person in whose favour it is made, or to his guardian, if any, or to the person to whom the allowance is to be paid ; and such order may be enforced by any Magistrate in any place where the person against whom it is made- may be, on such Magistrate being satisfied as to the identity of the parties and non-payment of the allowance due. S.491 Power to issue directions of the nature of a habeas corpus (1) The High court may, whenever it thinks fit, direct- S.492 Power to appoint Public Prosecutors [The Government] may appoint, generally, or in any case, or for any specified class of cases, in any local area, one or more officers to be called Public Prosecutors. S.493 Public Prosecutor may plead in all Courts in cases under his charge. Pleaders privately instructed to be under his direction The Public Prosecutor may appear and plead without any written authority before any Court in which any case of which he has charge is under inquiry, trial or appeal ; and, if any private person instructs a pleader to prosecute in any Court any person in any such case, the Public Prosecutor shall conduct the prosecution, and the pleader so instructed shall act therein under his directions. S.494 Effect of withdrawal from prosecution Any Public Prosecutor may with the consent of the Court, before the judgement is pronounced, withdraw from the prosecution of any person either generally of in respect of anyone or more of the offences for which he is tried; and upon such withdrawal,- S.495 Permission to conduct prosecution (1) Any Magistrate inquiring into or trying any case may permit the prosecution to be conducted by any person other than an officer of police below the rank to be prescribed by [the Government] in this behalf, but not person, other than the Public Prosecutor or other officer generally or specially empowered by [the Government] in this behalf shall be entitled to do so without such permission. S.496 In what cases bail to be taken [(1)] When any person other than a person accused of a non-bailable offence is arrested or detained without warrant by an officer-in-charge of a police station, or appears or is brought before a Court, and is prepared at any time while in the custody of such officer or at any stage of the proceedings before such Court to give bail, such person shall be released on bail : S.497 When bail may be taken in case of non-bailable offence (1) When any person accused of [or suspected of the commission of] any non-bailable offence is arrested or detained without warrant by an officer incharge of a police station, or appears or is brought before a Court, he may be released on bail, but he shall not be so released if there appear reasonable grounds for believing that he has been guilty of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life : S.497(a) Direction for grant of bail to person apprehending arrest (1) When any person has reason to believe that he may be arrested on an accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence, he may apply to the High Court or the Court of Session for a direction under this section, and that Court may; if it thinks fit, direct that in the event of such arrest, he shall be released on bail. S.497(b) Special provision regarding bail Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code but subject to the provisions of section 498, no person accused of an offence punishable under section 152, 153-A, 295, 295-A, 296, 297, 298, 435, 436 or 505 of the State Ranbir Penal Code shall be released on bail unless- Legal Commentary on Section 497(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.)IntroductionSection 497(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.) pertains to the provisions regarding bail in the context of non-bailable offenses. This section is crucial for understanding the legal framework surrounding the release of individuals accused of serious crimes, particularly in the context of the legal system in Jammu and Kashmir. What does Section 497(b) SaySection 497(b) provides specific guidelines under which a court may grant bail to an accused person. It emphasizes the court's discretion in determining whether to grant bail based on the circumstances of the case. Essential Ingredients
Scope of SectionThe scope of Section 497(b) is limited to non-bailable offenses, which are generally considered more serious in nature. The section allows for judicial discretion, enabling courts to assess each case on its merits. Punishment for SectionWhile Section 497(b) itself does not prescribe punishment, it is part of a broader legal framework that addresses the consequences of non-bailable offenses. The punishment for the underlying offenses will depend on the specific provisions of the law applicable to those offenses. Legal Comments
S.498 Power to direct admission to bail or reduction of bail [(1)] The amount of every bond executed under this Chapter shall be fixed with due regard to the circumstance of the case, and shall not be excessive ; and the High Court or Court of Session may, in any case, whether there be an appeal on conviction or not, direct that any person be admitted to bail, or that the bail required by a police officer or Magistrate be reduced ; S.499 Bond of accused and sureties (1) Before any person is released on bail or released on his own bond, a bond for such sum of money as the police officer or Court, as the case may be, thinks sufficient shall be executed by such person, and, when he is released on bail, by one or more sufficient sureties conditioned that such person shall attend at the time and place mentioned in the bond, and shall continue so to attend until otherwise directed by the police officer or Court, as the case may be. S.500 Discharge from custody (1) As soon as the bond has been executed, the person for whose appearance it has been executed shall be released, and, when he is in jail, the Court admitting him to bail shall issue an order of release to the officer-in-charge of the jail, and such officer on receipt of the order shall release him. S.501 Power to order sufficient bail when that first taken is insufficientIf, through mistake, fraud or otherwise insufficient sureties have been accepted or if they afterwards become insufficient, the Court may issue a warrant of Arrest directing that the person released on bail be brought before it and may order him to find sufficient sureties, and, on his failing so to do, may commit him to jail. S.502 Discharge of sureties (1) All or any sureties for the attendance and appearance of a person released on bail may at any time apply to a Magistrate to discharge the bond, either wholly or so far as relates to the applicants. S.503 When attendance of witness may be dispensed with and commission issued [(1) Whenever, in the course of any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, it appears to the High Court, Court of Session, or any Magistrate that the examination of a witness is necessary for the ends of justice, and that the attendance of such witness cannot be procured without an amount of delay, expense or inconvenience which under the circumstances of the case would be unreasonable such Court or Magistrate may dispense with such attendance and may issue a commission for the examination of the witness in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter : S.504 Commission to whom to be issued (1) If the witness is within the territories to which this Code extends, the commission shall be directed to the District Magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the witness is to be found. Legal Commentary on Section 504 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989 (1933 A.D.)IntroductionSection 504 primarily pertains to the penal provisions related to intentional insult and provocation under the Indian Penal Code, and its procedural aspects are addressed within the Criminal Procedure Code, 1989. It aims to regulate conduct that provokes breach of peace and prescribes penalties for such acts. What does Section 504 Say?Section 504 of the Indian Penal Code criminalizes intentionally insulting a person, thereby provoking them to breach peace or commit an offense, with a punishment extending up to two years of imprisonment or fine or both. The section emphasizes the act of provocation through insult and its potential to incite violence or disturbance. Essential Ingredients
Scope of Section 504The section applies to acts of insult that are deliberate and intended to provoke a breach of peace. It covers acts that are likely to incite violence or disturb public tranquility, whether or not the breach occurs. The section also implicitly addresses the conduct of individuals that could lead to communal or social unrest. Punishment for Section 504The punishment prescribed under Section 504 is imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or both. The section underscores the importance of maintaining public order and peace, penalizing provocative conduct. Legal Comments
This concise legal commentary synthesizes the statutory provisions, judicial interpretations, and procedural aspects related to Section 504, providing a comprehensive overview for legal analysis. S.505 Execution of commissionsUpon receipt of the commission, the District Magistrate, or such Magistrate as he may appoint in this behalf, shall proceed to the place where the witness is, or shall summon the witness before him and shall take down his evidence in the same manner, and may for this purpose exercise the same powers, as in trials of warrant-cases under this Code. S.506 Parties may examine witnesses (1) The parties to any proceeding under this Code in which a commission is issued may respectively forward any interrogatories in writing which the Court or Magistrate directing the commission may think relevant to the issue, and it shall be lawful for the Magistrate, Court or officer to whom the commission is directed, or to whom the duty of executing it is delegated, to examine the witness upon such interrogatories. S.507 Return of commission After any commission issued under section 503 has been duly executed, it shall be returned, together with the deposition of the witness examined thereunder, to the Court or Magistrate issuing the commission ; and the commission, the return thereto and the deposition shall be open at all reasonable times to inspection of the parties, and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in the case by either party, and shall form part of the record. S.508 Adjournment of proceeding In every case in which a commission is issued under section 503, the inquiry, trial or other proceeding may be adjourned for a specified time reasonably sufficient for the execution and return of the commission.] S.508(a) Execution of foreign; commissions (1) The provisions of section 505 and so much of section 506 and section 507 as relates to the execution of a commission and its return shall apply in respect of commissions issued by any of the Courts, Judges or Magistrates hereinafter mentioned as they apply to commissions issued under section 503. S.509 Deposition of medical witness (1) The deposition of a Chief Medical Officer or other medical witness, taken and attested by a Magistrate in the presence of the accused, or taken on commission under Chapter XL, may be given in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, although the deponent is not called as a witness. S.510 Report of Chemical Examiner [(1)] Any document purporting to be a report under the hand of any Chemical Examiner or Assistant Chemical Examiner to Government [or the Chief Inspector of Explosives or the Director of Finger Print Bureau or an Officer of the Mint], upon any matter or thing duly submitted to him for examination or analysis and report in the course of any proceeding under this Code, may be used as evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code. S.510(a) Evidence on affidavits (1) The evidence of any person whose evidence is of a formal character may be given by affidavit and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code. S.511 Previous conviction or acquittal how proved In any [inquiry], trial or other proceeding under this Code, a previous conviction or acquittal may be proved, in addition to any other mode provided by any law for the time being in force,- S.512 Record of evidence in absence of accused (1) If it is proved that an accused person has absconded, and that there is no immediate prospect of arresting him, the Court competent to try or commit for trial such person for the offence complained of may, in his absence, examine the witnesses (if any) produced on behalf of the prosecution, and record their depositions. Any such deposition may, on the arrest of such person, be given in evidence against him on the enquiry into, or trial for, the offence with which he is charged, if the deponent is dead or incapable of giving evidence or his attendance cannot be procured without an amount of delay, expense or inconvenience which, under the circumstances of the case, would be unreasonable. S.513 Deposit instead of recognizanceWhen any person is required by any Court or Officer to execute a bond, with or without sureties, such Court or officer may, except in the case of a bond for good behaviour permit him to deposit a sum of money or Government-promissory-notes to such amount as the Court or officer may fix, in lieu of executing such bond. S.514 Procedure on forfeiture of bond (1) Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of the Court by which a bond under this Code has been taken, or of the Court of Magistrate of the first class ; S.514(a) Procedure in case of insolvency or death of surety or when a bond is forfeitedWhen any surety to a bond under this Code becomes insolvent or dies, or when any bond is forfeited under the provisions of section 514, the Court, by whose order such bond was taken or a Magistrate of the first class, may order the person from whom such security was demanded to furnish fresh security in accordance with the directions of the original order, and, if such security is not furnished such Court or Magistrate may proceed as if there had been a default in complying with such original order. S.514(b) Bond required from a minorWhen the person required by any Court or officer to execute a bond is a minor, such Court or officer may accept, in lieu thereof, bond executed by a surety or sureties only. S.515 Appeal from, and revision of orders under section 514 All orders passed under section 514 by any Magistrate shall be appealable to the Sessions Judge, or, if not so appealed, may be revised by him.] S.516 Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognizancesThe High Court or Court of Session may direct any Magistrate to levy the amount due on a bond to appear and attend at such High Court or Court of Session. S.516(a) Order for custody and disposal of property pending trial in certain casesWhen any property regarding which any offence appears to have been committed, or which appears to have been used for the commission of any offence, is produced before any Criminal Court during any inquiry or trial, the Court may make such order as it thinks fit for the proper custody of such property pending the conclusion of the inquiry or trial and, if the property is subject to speedy or natural decay [or if it is otherwise expedient so to do, the Court], may, after recording such evidence as it thinks necessary, order it to be sold or otherwise disposed of. S.517 Order for disposal of property regarding which offence committed (1) When an inquiry or a trial in any Criminal Court is concluded, the Court may make such order as it thinks fit for the disposal by destruction, confiscation, or delivery to any person claiming to be entitled to possession thereof or otherwise of any property or document produced before it or its custody or regarding which any offence appears to have been committed, or which has been used for the commission of any offence. S.518 Order may take form of reference to District or Sub-Divisional MagistrateIn lieu of itself passing an order under section 517, the Court may direct the property to be delivered to the District Magistrate or to a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, who shall in such cases deal with it as if it had been seized by the police and the seizure had been reported to him in the manner hereinafter mentioned. S.519 Payment to innocent purchaser of money found on accused When any person is convicted of any offence which includes, or amounts to theft or receiving stolen property, and it is proved that any other person has brought the stolen property from him without knowing, or having reason to believe, that the same was stolen, and that any money has on his arrest been taken out of the possession of the convicted person, the Court may, on the application of such purchaser and on the restitution of the stolen property to the person entitled to the possession thereof, order that out of such money a sum not exceeding the price paid by such purchaser be delivered to him. S.520 Stay of order under section 517, 518, or 519Any Court of appeal, confirmation, reference or revision may direct any order under section 517, section 518 or section 519, passed by a Court subordinate thereto, to be stayed pending consideration by the former Court and may modify alter or annul such order and make any further orders that may be just. S.521 Destruction of libellous and other matter (1) On a conviction under the Ranbir Penal Code, section 292, section 293, section 501 or section 502, the Court may order the destruction of all the copies of the thing in respect of which the conviction was had, and which are in the custody of the Court or remain in the possession or power of the person convicted. S.522 Power to restore possession of immovable property (1) Whenever a person is convicted of an offence attended by criminal force or show of force or by criminal intimidation and it appears to the Court that by such force or show of force or criminal intimidation any person has been dispossessed of any immovable property, the Court may, if it thinks fit, when convicting such person or at any time within one month from the date of the conviction, order the person dispossessed to be restored to the possession of the same. S.523 Procedure by police upon seizure of property token under section 51 or stolen (1) The seizure by any police officer of property take under section 51 or alleged or suspected to have been stolen or found under circumstances which create suspicion of the commission of any offence, shall be forthwith reported to a Magistrate, who shall make such order as he thinks fit respecting the disposal of such property or the delivery of such property to the person entitled to the possession thereof or if such person cannot be ascertained respecting the custody and production of such property. S.524 Procedure where no claimant appears within six months (1) If no person within such period establishes his claim to such property, and if the person in whose possession such property was found is unable to show that it was legally acquired by him, such property shall be at the disposal of the Government, and may be sold under the orders of the District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or of [an Executive Magistrate] of the first class empowered by [the Government] in this behalf. S.525 Power to sell perishable property If the person entitled to the possession of sum property is unknown or absent the property is subject to speedy and natural decay, or if the Magistrate to whom its seizure is reported is of opinion that its sale would be for the benefit of the owner, or that the value of such property is less than ten rupees, the Magistrate may at any time direct it to be sold ; and .the provisions of sections 523 and 524 shall, as nearly as may be practicable, apply to the net proceeds of such sale. S.526 High Court may transfer case or itself try it (1) Whenever it is made to appear to the High Court- S.526(a) .Omitted S.527 .Omitted S.528 Sessions Judge may withdraw cases from Assistant Sessions Judge (1) Any Session Judge may withdraw [any case or appeal] from, or recall [any case or appeal] which he has made over to, any Assistant Sessions Judge subordinate to him. S.528(a) .Omitted S.528(b) .Omitted S.528(c) .Omitted S.528(d) .Omitted S.529 Irregularities which do not vitiate proceedings If any Magistrate not empowered by law to do any of the following things, namely :- S.530 Irregularities which vitiate proceedings If any Magistrate, not being empowered by law in this behalf, does any of the following things, namely S.531 Proceedings in wrong placeNo finding, sentence or order of any Criminal Court shall be set aside merely on the ground that the inquiry, trial or other proceeding in the course of which it was arrived at or passed, took place in a wrong sessions division, district, sub-division or other local area, unless it appears that such error has in fact occasioned a failure of justice. S.532 When irregular commitments may be validated (1) If any Magistrate or other authority purporting to exercise powers duly conferred, which were not so conferred, commits an accused person for trial before a Court of Session or High Court, the Court to which the commitment is made may, after perusal of the proceedings, accept the commitment, if it considers that the accused has not been injured thereby, unless during the inquiry and before the order of commitment, objection was made on behalf either of the accused or of the prosecution to the jurisdiction of such Magistrate or other authority. S.533 Non-compliance with provisions of section 164 or 364 (1) If any Court, before which a confession or other statement of an accused person recorded or purporting to be recorded under section 164 or section 364 is tendered or has been received in evidence, finds that any of the provisions of either of such sections have not been complied with by the Magistrate recording the statement, it shall take evidence that such person duly made the statement recorded; and, notwithstanding anything contained in the Evidence Act, 1977, section 91, such statement shall be admitted if the error has not injured the accused as to his defence on the merits. S.534 .Omitted S.535 Effect of omission to prepare charge (1) No finding or sentence pronounced or passed shall be deemed invalid merely on the ground that no charge was framed, unless, in the opinion of the Court of appeal or revision, a failure of justice has in fact been occasioned thereby. S.536 .Omitted S.537 Finding or sentence when reversible by reason of error or omission in charge or other proceedings Subject to the provisions hereinbefore contained, no finding, sentence or order passed by a Court of competent jurisdiction shall be reversed or altered under Chapter XXVII or on appeal or revision on account S.538 Attachment not illegal, person making same not trespasser for defect or want of form in proceedings No attachment made under this Code shall be deemed unlawful, nor shall any person making the same be deemed a trespasser, on account of any defect or want of form in the summons conviction, writ of attachment or other proceedings relating thereto. S.538(a) Definition For the purposes of this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires "period of limitation" means the period specified in section 53,8-B for taking cognizance of an offence. S.538(b) Bar to taking cognizance after lapse of the period of limitation (1) Except as otherwise provided elsewhere in this Code, no Court shall take cognizance of an offence of the category specified in sub-section (2), after the expiry of the period of limitation. S.538(c) Commencement of the period of limitation (1) The period of limitation, in relation of an offender, shall commence,- S.538(d) Exclusion of time in certain cases (1) In computing the period of limitation, the time during which any person has been prosecuting with due diligence another prosecution, whether in a Court of first instance or in a Court of appeal or revision against the offender, shall be excluded : S.538(e) Exclusion of date on which Court is closed Where the period of limitation expires on a day when the Court is closed, the Court may take cognizance on the day on which the Court reopens. S.538(f) Continuing offence In the case of a continuing offence, a fresh period of limitation shall begin to run at every moment of the time during which the offence continues. S.538(g) Extension of period of limitation in certain casesNotwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this Chanter, any Court may take cognizance of an offence after the expiry of the period of limitation, if it is satisfied on the facts and in the circumstances of the case that the delay has been properly explained or that it is necessary so to do in the interests of justice. S.539 Courts and persons before whom affidavits may be sworn Affidavits and affirmations to be used before any Court in the State may be sworn and affirmed before such Court or any Magistrate or other Court in the State, but if the affidavit or affirmation is made outside the limits of the State, it may be sworn or affirmed before any tribunal competent in that behalf according to the law of locality where the affidavit or affirmation is made. S.539(a) Affidavit in proof of conduct of public servant (1) When any application is made to any Court in the course of any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, and allegations are made therein respecting any public servant, the applicant may give evidence of the facts alleged in the application by affidavit, and the Court may, if it thinks fit, order that evidence relating to such facts be so given. S.539(a)(a) Authorities before whom affidavits may be sworn (1) An affidavit to be used before any Court other than the High Court under section 510-A or section 539-A may be sworn or affirmed in the manner prescribed in section 539 or before any Magistrate. S.539(b) Local inspection (1) Any Judge or Magistrate may at any stage of any inquiry, trial or other proceeding, after due notice to the parties, visit and inspect any place in which an offence is alleged to have been committed, or any other place which it is in his opinion necessary to view for the purpose of properly appreciating the evidence given at such inquiry or trial, and shall without unnecessary delay record a memorandum of any relevant facts observed at such inspection. S.540 Power to summon material witness, or examine person presentAny Court may, at any stage of any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Code, summon any person as a witness, or examine any person in attendance, though not summoned as a witness, or recall and re-examine any person already examined; and the Court shall summon and examine or recall and re-examine any such person if his evidence appears to it essential to the just decision of the case. S.540(a) Provision for inquiries and trial being held in the absence of accused in certain cases [(1) At any stage of an inquiry or trial under this Code, if the Judge or Magistrate is satisfied, for reasons to be recorded, that the personal attendance of the accused before the Court is not necessary in the interests of justice, the Judge or Magistrate may, if the accused is represented by a pleader, dispense with his attendance and proceed with such inquiry or trial in his absence, and may, at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, direct the personal attendance of such accused.] S.541 Power to appoint place of imprisonment (1) Unless when otherwise provided by any law for the time being in force, [the Government] may direct in what place any person liable to be imprisoned or committed to custody under this Code shall be confined. S.542 Power to 1st class Magistrate to order prisoner in jail to be brought up for examination (1) Any Magistrate of the 1st class desirous of examining as a witness in any case pending before him, any person confined in any jail within the local limits of his jurisdiction, may issue an order to the officer-in-charge of the said jail requiring him to bring such prisoner in proper custody, at a time to be therein named, to the Magistrate for examination. S.543 Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfullyWhen the services of an interpreter are required by any Criminal Court for the interpretation of any evidence or statement, he shall be bound to state the true interpretation of such evidence or statement. S.544 Expenses of complainants and witnessesSubject to any rule made by the High Court with the previous sanction of [the Government], any Criminal Court may, if it thinks fit, order payment, on the part of Government, of the reasonable expenses of any complainant or witness attending for the purposes of any inquiry, trial or other Proceeding before such Court under this Code. S.545 Power of Court to pay expenses or compensation out of fine (1) Whenever under any law in force for the time being a Criminal Court imposes a fine or confirms in appeal revision or otherwise a sentence of fine, or [a sentence (including a sentence of death) of which fine forms a part] the Court may, when passing judgment, order the whole or any part of the fine recovered to be applied- S.546 Payments to be taken into account in subsequent suit At the time of awarding compensation in any subsequent civil suit relating to the same matter, the Court shall take into account any sum paid or recovered as compensation under section 545. S.546(a) Order of payment of certain fees paid by complainant in non-cognizable cases (1) Whenever any complaint of a non-cognizable offence is made to a Court, the Court, if it convicts the accused, may in addition to the penalty imposed upon him, order him to pay to the complainant- S.547 Moneys ordered to be paid recoverable as finesAny money (other than a fine) payable by virtue of any order made under this Code, and the method of recovery of which is not otherwise expressly provided for, shall be recoverable as it were a fine. S.548 Copies of proceedings If any person affected by a judgment or order passed by a Criminal Court desires to have a copy of any order or deposition or other part of the record he shall, on applying for such copy, be furnished therewith : S.549 Delivery to military authorities of persons liable to be tried by Court-martial (1) [The Government] may make rules consistent with this Code and the Army Act in force in the State or any similar law for the time being in force as to the cases in which persons subject to military law, shall be tried by a Court to which this Code applies, or by Court-martial, and when any person is brought before a Magistrate and charged with an offence for which he is liable, under the Army Act in force in the State to be tried by a Court-martial, such Magistrate shall have regard to such rules, and shall in proper cases deliver him, together with a statement of the offence of which he is accused, to the commanding officer of the regiment, corps or detachment, to which he belongs, or to the commanding officer of the nearest military station, for the purpose of being tried by Court-martial. S.550 Powers to police to seize property suspected to be stolenAny police officer may seize any property which may be alleged or suspected to have been stolen, or which may be found under circumstances which create suspicion of the commission of any offence. Such police officer, if subordinate to the officer-in-charge of a police station, shall forthwith report the seizure to that officer. S.551 Powers of superior officers of police Police officers superior in hank to an officer-in-charge of a police station may exercise the same powers, throughout the local area to which they are appointed, as may be exercised by such officer within the limits of his station. S.552 Power to compel restoration of abducted females Upon complaint made to a District Magistrate [or Chief Judicial Magistrate]on oath of the abduction or unlawful detention of a woman, or of a female child under the age of [sixteen] years, for any unlawful purpose, he may. take an order for the immediate restoration of such woman to her liberty, or of such female child to her husband, parent, guardian or other person having the lawful charge of such child, and may compel compliance with' such order, using such force as may be necessary. S.553 .Omitted S.554 Power of High Court to make rules (1) The High Court may, from time to time, and with the previous sanction of the [the Government] ; S.555 Forms Subject to the power conferred by section 554, the forms set forth in the Fifth Schedule, with such variation as the circumstances of each case require, may be used for the respective purposes therein mentioned, and if used shall be sufficient. S.555(a) Power of High Court to make rules in respect of petition writers (1) The High Court may, from time to time, and with the previous approval of the Government, make rules- S.556 Case in which Judge or Magistrate is personally interested No Judge or Magistrate shall, except with the permission of the Court to which an appeal lies from his Court, try or commit for trial any case to or in which he is a party, or personally interested, and no Judge or Magistrate shall hear an appeal from any judgment or order passed or made by himself. S.557 Practising pleader not to sit as Magistrate in certain Courts No pleader who practises in the Court of any Magistrate, shall sit as a Magistrate in such Court or in any Court within the jurisdiction of such Court. S.558 Power to decide language of Courts The Government may determine what, for the purposes of this Code, shall be deemed to be the language of each Court within the territories of Jammu and Kashmir State. S.558(a) Delegation of powersThe Government may by order direct that all or any, of the powers and duties conferred or imposed on the Government by the Code be exercised or performed by the Minister-in charge, Law Department.] S.559 Provision for powers of Judges and Magistrates being exercised by their successors-in-office (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Code, the powers and duties of a Judge or Magistrate may be exercised or performed by his successor-in-office. S.560 Officers concerned in sales not to purchase or bid for property A public servant having any duty to perform in connection with the sale of any property under this Code shall not purchase or bid for the property. S.561 Special provisions with respect to offence of rape by a husband (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Code, no Magistrate except a 1[Chief Judicial Magistrate] shall- S.561(a) Saving of inherent power of High Court Nothing in this Code shall be deemed to limit or affect the inherent power of the High Court to make such orders as may be necessary to give effect to any order under this Code, or to prevent abuse of the process of any Court or otherwise to secure the ends of justice. S.561(b) Duty of High Court to exercise continuous superintendence over the Courts of Judicial Magistrates Every High Court shall so exercise its superintendence over the Courts of Judicial Magistrates subordinate to it as to ensure that there is an expeditious and proper disposal of cases by such Magistrates. S.561(c) Trials before High CourtWhen an offence is tried by the High Court otherwise than under section 526, it shall, in the trial of the offence, observe the same procedure as a Court of Session would observe if it were trying the case.] S.562 Power of Court to release certain convicted offenders on probation of good conduct instead of sentencing to punishment (1) When any person not under twenty-one years of age is convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment for not more than seven years, or when any person under twenty-one years of age or any woman is convicted of an offence not punishable with death or imprisonment for life, and no previous conviction is proved against the offender, if it appears to the Court before which he is convicted, regard being had to the age, character or antecedents of the offender, and to the circumstances in which the offence was committed, that it is expedient that the offender should be released on probation of good conduct, the Court may, instead of sentencing him at once to any punishment, direct that he be released on his entering into a bond, with or without sureties, to appear and receive sentence when called upon during such period (not exceeding three years) as the Court may direct, and in the meantime to keep the peace and be of goo S.563 Provision in case of offender failing to observe conditions, of his recognizances (1) If the Court which convicted the offender, or a Court which could have dealt with the offender in respect of his original offence, is satisfied that the offender has failed to observe any of the conditions of his recognizance, it may issue a warrant for his apprehension. S.564 Conditions as to abode of offenderThe Court, before directing the release of an offender under section 562, sub-section (1), shall be satisfied that the offender or his surety (if any) has a fixed place of abode or regular occupation in the place for which the Court acts or in which the offender is likely to live during the period named for the observance of the conditions. S.565 Order for notifying address of previously convicted offender (1) When any person having been convicted- Sch.1 .Omitted Sch.2 Tabular Statement of OffencesSchedule-II I. Ordinary powers of a Judicial Magistrate of the second class :- Sch.4 Additional powers with which Magistrate may be InvestedPart I (A) By High Court- Sch.5 Forms [See section 555] I. - Summons to an Accused Person. Dated this ................................. day of ................ , 20 | |||
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