Power of Courts

The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) provides for a range of powers that are vested in the courts in criminal cases.

Powers of the Courts under the CrPC

1. Power to take cognizance: The courts have the power to take cognizance of criminal offences and to initiate criminal proceedings against the accused.
2. Power to issue warrants: The courts have the power to issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and production warrants to ensure the smooth conduct of the trial.
3. Power to grant bail: The courts have the power to grant bail to accused persons, subject to certain conditions, to ensure that they do not abscond or interfere with the investigation.
4. Power to frame charges: The courts have the power to frame charges against the accused based on the evidence produced by the prosecution.
5. Power to summon witnesses: The courts have the power to summon witnesses and to compel them to give evidence in court.
6. Power to examine witnesses: The courts have the power to examine witnesses and to ask them questions to elicit the truth.
7. Power to pronounce judgments: The courts have the power to pronounce judgments and to award appropriate sentences to the accused based on the evidence produced during the trial.
8. Power to order retrial: The courts have the power to order a retrial if there is a miscarriage of justice or if new evidence comes to light.