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Hierarchy of Criminal Courts in India - Difference between Civil and Criminal Courts

Last Updated on Jan 24, 2024
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The hierarchy of criminal courts in India is a vital component of the country's judicial system. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the fair administration of justice and maintaining the rule of law. The Indian judicial system follows a hierarchical structure. Different levels of courts have specific jurisdictions and powers to handle criminal cases. Understanding this hierarchy is essential to comprehend the functioning of each court. Supreme Court is however the highest criminal court in India.

In this article, we will explore the hierarchy of criminal courts in India. We will look into their functions & the difference between civil and criminal courts.

The hierarchy of criminal courts in India is a part of the Indian Polity subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-II syllabus. It is also a part of the General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

In this article, we shall study the hierarchy of criminal courts in India as required for the UPSC exam. The UPSC aspirants can take the help of Testbook's UPSC CSE Coaching. You can also study other important topics related to UPSC IAS Exams with Testbook!

Click on this link to download the Polity Notes for UPSC!

What are Criminal Courts?

Criminal courts in India are judicial bodies responsible for adjudicating cases related to criminal offenses and ensuring justice in accordance with the prevailing legal framework. These courts operate within the structure of the Indian judiciary, which is hierarchical and comprises various levels of courts.

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Hierarchy of Criminal Courts in India

In India, the hierarchy of criminal courts is structured in a tiered system. Each level has its own jurisdiction and authority. The highest court in India is the Supreme Court. Each state has a High Court. Sessions Court, also known as the Court of Session, is a lower court. In metropolitan areas, Judicial Magistrates of First Class are referred to as Metropolitan Magistrates. Here is the hierarchy of criminal courts in India. It starts from the higher courts to the lower courts.

Supreme Court

  • The Supreme Court is the apex judicial body in India and the highest court of appeal.
  • It has the power of judicial review. This allows it to examine the constitutionality of laws and governmental actions.
  • The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals. Its decisions are binding on all other courts in the country.
  • It also has the authority to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

High Court

Each state in India has a High Court, which serves as the highest judicial authority within the state.

  • High Courts have original jurisdiction, meaning they can hear cases directly. 
    • They also have appellate jurisdiction over lower courts within their respective states. They hear appeals against the judgments and orders of subordinate courts and tribunals.
  • High Courts also possess the power of judicial review. They can issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights within their jurisdiction.

Court of Sessions

  • The Court of Session is set up in every district or group of districts in India.
  • A Sessions Judge presides over it. He has the authority to hear criminal cases, including murder, rape, and dacoity.
  • The Court of Sessions conducts trials for these offenses and delivers judgments accordingly.
  • Appeals against the decisions of the Court of Session can be made to the High Court.

Magistrate Courts

These are the lowest level of criminal courts in India. Judicial Magistrates and Executive Magistrates preside over it. Magistrate Courts are further divided into two types:

Judicial Magistrate of First Class and in Metropolitan Area

  • Judicial Magistrates of the First Class are appointed in every district or group of districts in India.
    • In metropolitan areas, Metropolitan Magistrates exercise similar powers and functions.
  • They have the power to try and dispose of criminal cases that are not exclusively triable by the Court of Session.
  • They conduct trials for less serious offenses. They also have the authority to impose punishments within their prescribed limits.
  • Judicial Magistrates also handle matters that include the following:
    • bail applications, 
    • issuance of search warrants, and 
    • granting remand orders.

Executive Magistrate

  • Executive Magistrates are appointed by the state government under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • They exercise administrative and executive functions, which include the following:
    • maintaining law and order, 
    • issuing prohibitory orders, and 
    • granting licenses.
  • Executive Magistrates do not have the power to conduct trials or pass judgments in criminal cases.
    • They can conduct inquiries into certain offenses. They then submit their reports to the appropriate judicial authorities.

Click on this link to download the notes on the National Judicial Council for UPSC!

Difference between Civil and Criminal Courts

The below table outlines the difference between the civil courts and criminal courts:

Type of Court

Civil Court

Criminal Court

Nature of Case

Civil disputes, such as property, contracts, and torts.

Criminal offenses, including theft, assault, and murder.

Parties Involved

Private individuals, organizations, or government bodies.

The state or government versus the accused.

Purpose

Resolving disputes and enforcing rights and obligations.

Punishing individuals for committing criminal offenses.

Burden of Proof

Preponderance of evidence.

Beyond a reasonable doubt.

Verdict

Monetary compensation or equitable relief.

Acquittal or conviction with penalties, including imprisonment.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for UPSC!

Jurisdiction of Subordinate Criminal Courts in India
  • The Sessions Court, headed by the Sessions Judge, functions as the highest Criminal Court in the district.
  • The District Judge, who also serves as the Sessions Judge, is known as the District and Sessions Judge.
  • The Sessions Court is authorized to pass any sentence allowed by provisions of law, with the exception of a death sentence, which requires confirmation by the High Court.
  • An Assistant Sessions Judge holds the power to impose a sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment.
  • A First Class Magistrate is empowered to deliver a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees.
  • A Second Class Magistrate is authorized to pass a sentence of imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to Rs. 1000/-.

About Constitution of Criminal Courts in India
  • The establishment of the Sessions Court is outlined in Section 9 of the CrPC.
  • The State Government forms the Sessions Court, presided over by a Judge appointed by the High Court.
  • Additional and Assistant Sessions Judges are appointed by the High Court.
  • The Court of Sessions typically sits at locations designated by the High Court, but it can relocate with the consent of the prosecution and accused for the convenience of parties and witnesses.
  • As per Section 10 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Assistant Sessions Judges are accountable to the Sessions Judge.
  • Additional/Assistant Sessions Judges, appointed by the High Court, handle cases related to crimes like murders, thefts, dacoity, pick-pocketing, etc., in the absence of the Sessions Judge.
  • In non-metropolitan districts, Judicial Magistrates of the first and second class are appointed by the High Courts.
  • Every Judicial Magistrate is subordinate to the Sessions Judge.
  • The Chief Judicial Magistrate is appointed in non-metropolitan areas, with only the Judicial Magistrate of First Class eligible for designation as Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate.
  • Metropolitan Magistrates are appointed in metropolitan areas, with the High Courts designating presiding officers.
  • The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate is appointed among the Metropolitan Magistrates, and they operate under the guidance of the Sessions Judge.
  • In every district and metropolitan area, the State Government appoints an Executive Magistrate, with one of them becoming the District Magistrate (DM) as per Section 20.

Study in detail about Difference Between Magistrate And Judge.

Conclusion

The hierarchy of criminal courts in India establishes a structured framework for the adjudication of criminal cases. From the Supreme Court to the Magistrates, each level of the judicial system plays a significant role in ensuring justice is served. The hierarchy allows for the proper distribution of powers and functions. It enables the effective handling of criminal matters. By understanding this hierarchy, individuals can navigate the judicial system more effectively. They can have a clearer understanding of the authority & jurisdiction of each court.

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Hierarchy of Criminal Courts in India FAQs

The hierarchy of courts in India starts with the Supreme Court at the top. The High Courts, Courts of Session, and Judicial Magistrates follow it. Decisions made by higher courts create case law. The principles and interpretations laid down in those decisions become legally binding. They serve as precedents for future cases.

Cases cannot start directly in the High Court without first being heard by lower courts. The High Court usually acts as an appellate court. It hears appeals against the judgments and orders of subordinate courts. There are certain exceptions where the High Court can directly hear certain types of cases. This includes cases involving constitutional issues or cases filed against the government.

Criminal courts have the power to hear and decide criminal cases. This ranges from minor offenses to serious crimes. They conduct trials, weigh evidence, and deliver judgments.

Decisions of lower criminal courts can be challenged through the process of appeal. The aggrieved party can appeal to the higher courts, seeking a review or reversal of the judgment.

Certain specialized criminal courts have been set up to handle specific types of cases. This includes the Special Courts for cases related to terrorism, corruption, & economic offenses. These courts have specific jurisdiction and powers to deal with such cases.
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