Describe the functions of the Criminal Courts in their ascending order.

The functions of Criminal Courts or Sessions Courts in the districts in ascending order are given below:

1. Court of the Second Class Judicial Magistrates — They handle certain serious criminal cases, with penalties of up to 1 year imprisonment, a Rs. 5,000 fine, or both.

2. Court of the First Class Judicial Magistrates — They handle still more serious criminal cases, awarding up to three years' imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs. 10,000, or both, and hear appeals against Magistrates Class II decisions.

3. Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) — These Magistrates can sentence up to seven years' imprisonment, but not death or life imprisonment.

4. The Sessions Court — It is the highest criminal court in a district, hearing cases like murder, dacoity, and violence. This court can award capital punishment, subject to High Court approval.