The trial of warrant cases refers to the legal process by which cases involving offences punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding two years are tried before a Magistrate.
Important Points regarding the Trial of Warrant Cases
- A warrant case can be initiated when a Magistrate issues a warrant for the arrest of the accused based on a complaint or police report.
- Once the accused is arrested, he is produced before the Magistrate who will inform him of the charges against him and give him an opportunity to apply for bail.
- The Magistrate then proceeds to frame charges against the accused. The charges must be read and explained to the accused, who has the right to plead guilty or not guilty.
- If the accused pleads guilty, the Magistrate can record the plea and convict him based on that alone. If the accused pleads not guilty, the trial will continue.
- During the trial, the prosecution presents evidence to support the charges while the accused has the right to cross-examine the witnesses and present his defense.
- The Magistrate can also summon witnesses and examine them if necessary.
- After the completion of the trial, the Magistrate will record his judgment which may result in either the conviction or the acquittal of the accused.
- If the accused is convicted, the Magistrate will impose a sentence, which may include imprisonment, fine, or both.
- The accused has the right to appeal against the judgment of the Magistrate to a higher court, such as the Sessions Court or the High Court.
