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Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1973

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Chapters
38
Sections
477

About this act

Overview & editorial context

The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973

The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 is the primary legislation governing the procedure for the administration of criminal law in India. It outlines the process for investigating crimes, apprehending suspects, collecting evidence, determining guilt or innocence, and imposing punishments.

Key functions of the CrPC:

  • Investigation: Defines the powers and duties of the police in conducting investigations, including arrest, search, seizure, and recording statements.
  • Magisterial Proceedings: Outlines the role of magistrates in taking cognizance of offenses, conducting inquiries and trials, and granting bail.
  • Trial Procedure: Specifies the procedures for conducting trials, including summoning witnesses, recording evidence, and delivering judgments.
  • Appeals and Revisions: Provides for appeals and revisions against lower court decisions.
  • Maintenance and Public Order: Includes provisions for maintenance of wives, children, and parents, as well as measures to prevent public nuisance and disturbances.

Significance of the CrPC:

The CrPC is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system. It safeguards the rights of both the accused and the victim by providing a structured framework for criminal proceedings. It also serves as a check on the powers of the state and ensures that investigations and trials are conducted fairly and impartially.

Challenges and Reforms:

Over the years, the CrPC has undergone several amendments to address emerging challenges. However, it still faces criticisms for being complex, lengthy, and sometimes outdated. There have been calls for reforms to expedite trials, strengthen witness protection, and enhance the role of the victim in the criminal justice process.

The CrPC is a dynamic piece of legislation that continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of society. Its effective implementation is essential for maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of citizens.

Change summary

This act is replaced by The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

163 Changed
5 Added
10 Deleted

Section index

Browse chapters & sections

Each section opens its dedicated LawFinder page for notes, bookmarks, and related references.

Chapter I

Chapter I

5 sections
Chapter II

Chapter II

20 sections
Chapter III

Chapter III

10 sections
Chapter IV

Chapter IV

5 sections
Chapter V

Chapter V

20 sections
Chapter VI

Chapter VI

30 sections
§ 61 Form of summons
§ 62 Summons how served
§ 63 Service of summons on corporate bodies and societies
§ 64 Service when persons summoned cannot be found
§ 65 Procedure when service cannot be effected as before provided
§ 66 Service on Government
§ 67 Service of summons outside local limits
§ 68 Proof of service in such cases and when serving officer not present
§ 69 Service of summons on witness by post
§ 70 Form of warrant of arrest and duration
§ 71 Power to direct security to be taken
§ 72 Warrants to whom directed
§ 73 Warrant may be directed to any person
§ 74 Warrant directed to police officer
§ 75 Notification of substance of warrant
§ 76 Person arrested to be brought before Court without delay
§ 77 Where warrant may be executed
§ 78 Warrant forwarded for execution outside jurisdiction
§ 79 Warrant directed to police officer for execution outside jurisdiction
§ 80 Procedure on arrest of person against whom warrant issued
§ 81 Procedure by Magistrate before whom such person arrested is brought
§ 82 Proclamation for person absconding
§ 83 Attachment of property of person absconding
§ 84 Claims and objections to attachment
§ 85 Release, sale and restoration of attached property
§ 86 Appeal from order rejecting application for restoration of attached property
§ 87 Issue of warrant in lieu of, or in addition to, summons
§ 88 Power to take bond for appearance
§ 89 Arrest on breach of bond for appearance
§ 90 Provisions of this Chapter generally applicable to summonses and warrants of arrest
Chapter VII

Chapter VII

15 sections
Chapter VIIA

Chapter VIIA

1 section
Chapter VIII

Chapter VIII

19 sections
Chapter IX

Chapter IX

4 sections
Chapter X

Chapter X

20 sections
Chapter XI

Chapter XI

5 sections
Chapter XII

Chapter XII

22 sections
Chapter XIII

Chapter XIII

13 sections
Chapter XIV

Chapter XIV

10 sections
Chapter XV

Chapter XV

4 sections
Chapter XVI

Chapter XVI

7 sections
Chapter XVII

Chapter XVII

14 sections
Chapter XVIII

Chapter XVIII

13 sections
Chapter XIX

Chapter XIX

13 sections
Chapter XX

Chapter XX

9 sections
Chapter XXI

Chapter XXI

6 sections
Chapter XXII

Chapter XXII

6 sections
Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIII

28 sections
Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXIV

28 sections
§ 300 Person once convicted or acquitted not to be tried for same offence
§ 301 Appearance by Public Prosecutors
§ 302 Permission to conduct prosecution
§ 303 Right of person against whom proceedings are instituted to be defended
§ 304 Legal aid to accused at State expense in certain cases
§ 305 Procedure when corporation or registered society is an accused
§ 306 Tender of pardon to accomplice
§ 307 Power to direct tender of pardon
§ 308 Trial of person not complying with conditions of pardon
§ 309 Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings
§ 310 Local inspection
§ 311 Power to summon material witness, or examine person present
§ 312 Expenses of complainants and witnesses
§ 313 Power to examine the accused
§ 314 Oral arguments and memorandum of arguments
§ 315 Accused person to be competent witness
§ 316 No influence to be used to induce disclosure
§ 317 Provision for inquiries and trial being held in the absence of accused in certain cases
§ 318 Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings
§ 319 Power to proceed against other persons appearing to be guilty of offence
§ 320 Compounding of offences
§ 321 Withdrawal from prosecution
§ 322 Procedure in cases which Magistrate cannot dispose
§ 323 Procedure when, after commencement of inquiry or trial, Magistrate finds case should be committed
§ 324 Trial of persons previously convicted of offences against coinage, stamp-law or property
§ 325 Procedure when Magistrate cannot pass sentence sufficiently severe
§ 326 Conviction or commitment on evidence partly recorded by one Magistrate and partly by another
§ 327 Court to be open
Chapter XXV

Chapter XXV

12 sections
Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVI

13 sections
Chapter XXVII

Chapter XXVII

13 sections
Chapter XXVIII

Chapter XXVIII

6 sections
Chapter XXIX

Chapter XXIX

23 sections
Chapter XXX

Chapter XXX

11 sections
Chapter XXXI

Chapter XXXI

7 sections
Chapter XXXII

Chapter XXXII

17 sections
Chapter XXXIII

Chapter XXXIII

14 sections
Chapter XXXIV

Chapter XXXIV

9 sections
Chapter XXXV

Chapter XXXV

7 sections
Chapter XXXVI

Chapter XXXVI

7 sections
Chapter XXXVII

Chapter XXXVII

11 sections

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