History & Civics
Keeping in mind the Criminal Courts in a district, explain the following :
(a) Organisation of the Criminal Courts in a district.
(b) Their functions and powers.
Answer
(a) Criminal courts operate in a hierarchical structure, with each level handling cases based on their severity and complexity. The categories of Criminal Courts or Sessions Courts in the districts in ascending order are given below:
- Court of the Second Class Judicial Magistrates
- Court of the First Class Judicial Magistrates
- Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM)
- The Sessions Court
(b) The functions and powers of Criminal Courts are given below:
Court of the Second Class Judicial Magistrates — They handle certain serious crimes, with penalties of up to 1 year imprisonment, a Rs. 5,000 fine, or both.
Court of the First Class Judicial Magistrates — They handle 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.
Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) — These Magistrates can sentence up to seven years' imprisonment, but not death or life imprisonment.
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.
Related Questions
Name the highest court dealing with the criminal cases at the district level.
Mention one administrative power of a District Judge.
With reference to the Civil Courts in a district, answer the following :
(a) How are Civil Courts organised in a district?
(b) How do they work?
With reference to the Lok Adalats, explain the following :
(a) Meaning of the Lok Adalats.
(b) Working of the Lok Adalats.
(c) Advantages of the Lok Adalats.