Criminal Procedure Code at India
India's criminal justice system was historically governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), which provided the framework for the investigation, prosecution, and trial of criminal offenses. Enacted on January 25, 1974, the CrPC came into force on April 1, 1974. It consolidated and amended the law relating to criminal procedure in India. (Code of Criminal Procedure (India), The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973)
⚖️ Structure of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
The CrPC was organized into 37 Chapters and 211 Sections, covering various aspects of criminal law, including:
Investigation and Arrest: Procedures for the investigation of offenses, powers of police officers, and rights of the accused.
Bail and Bonds: Provisions related to the granting of bail and the execution of bonds.
Trial Procedures: Processes for conducting trials in magistrate courts and sessions courts. (India Code: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973)
Appeals and Revisions: Mechanisms for challenging judgments and orders.
Maintenance of Public Order: Preventive actions and measures to maintain public peace.
Special Procedures: Provisions for specific offenses and situations, such as juvenile offenders and contempt of court.
📄 Accessing the Code
The full text of the CrPC, including its amendments, was available through the India Code portal. However, as of July 1, 2024, the CrPC was repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The BNSS is the new legislation governing criminal procedure in India. (India Code: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Code of Criminal Procedure (India))
🔄 Transition to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
The BNSS was introduced to modernize and streamline the criminal justice system in India. It aims to address contemporary challenges and improve the efficiency of the legal process. The transition from the CrPC to the BNSS marks a significant shift in India's approach to criminal law.
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