CrPC Section 373
🔍 What Does Section 373 Say?
Section 373 empowers a Magistrate to release an accused person without trial on certain conditions, primarily aimed at reforming the offender rather than punishing them.
📋 Key Points of Section 373
Who Can Be Released?
An accused person charged with a bailable or non-bailable offence punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years or with fine only may be released on probation or after admonition.
Conditions for Release:
The Magistrate must be satisfied that the accused is a first-time offender or a young/immature person who can be reformed.
The accused may be released on:
Probation of good conduct, i.e., they promise to behave well for a specified period.
After admonition, which means the Magistrate warns or reprimands the accused without further legal action.
Probation Period:
The period of probation can be fixed by the Magistrate but usually lasts for 1 to 3 years.
Supervision:
The probationer may be placed under the supervision of a probation officer or some other person.
Purpose:
To provide a chance for reform and rehabilitation rather than punishment, especially for minor offenders.
🧭 Why is Section 373 Important?
Helps reduce the burden on courts by avoiding unnecessary trials.
Gives an opportunity for first-time or minor offenders to avoid criminal records.
Encourages rehabilitation over punishment.
📖 Illustration
A young person caught stealing a small amount might be released on probation instead of going through a full trial and sentence, provided the Magistrate believes the person can be reformed.
📝 Summary
Section 373 allows Magistrates to release certain offenders on probation or after admonition.
Applicable mainly to minor offences and first-time offenders.
Aims at rehabilitation rather than punishment.
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