Exploring the Different Classes of Criminal Courts in India

India has a diverse range of criminal courts, including:

1. Supreme Court
2. High Courts
3. The Courts of Session
4. The Judicial Magistrates of the First Class, and, in any metropolitan area; the Metropolitan Magistrates.
5. The Judicial Magistrates of the Second Class
6. The Executive Magistrates

For a deeper understanding of the Indian Judiciary, you may refer to the linked article.

The Jurisdiction of Subordinate Criminal Courts in India

• The Sessions Court, presided over by the Sessions Judge, is the paramount Criminal Court in a district. The District Judge also serves as the Sessions Judge, hence he is referred to as the District and Sessions Judge. This court can pass any sentence as per the law, but a death sentence needs to be confirmed by the High Court.
• An Assistant Sessions Judge can sentence a person to imprisonment for up to 10 years.
• A First Class Magistrate can sentence a person to imprisonment for up to five years or impose a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees.
• A Second Class Magistrate can sentence a person to imprisonment for up to one year or impose a fine of up to Rs. 1000.

Distinguishing Between Civil and Criminal Courts

Civil Courts in India handle disputes between two parties related to various matters such as money/debt, property, housing, and issues related to marriage and children like divorce, child custody, child support, or guardianship.

On the other hand, Criminal courts deal with serious crimes such as assault, robbery, murder, arson, rape, and other heinous crimes.

You can explore the detailed Difference between Civil Law and Criminal Law in the linked article.

You can also check out the list of high courts in India in the linked article.

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