Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, there are three types of trials:
Summary Trial
Summary trial is a process that is followed for offences that are considered to be minor or petty, such as traffic violations, small thefts, or minor assaults.
The primary objective of a summary trial is to provide speedy justice.
The proceedings in a summary trial are conducted in a more informal manner and the court has a certain degree of discretion in terms of the procedure followed. The accused may plead guilty or not guilty and the judge can make a decision on the basis of evidence presented by both parties.
Warrant Trial
This type of trial is conducted for serious offences where the punishment may exceed two years of imprisonment. These trials are conducted in the presence of the accused and the witnesses, and the prosecution has to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
The trial follows the procedure laid down in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and the accused has the right to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses and to produce evidence in their defence.
Sessions Trial
Sessions trial is conducted for offences that are considered to be serious in nature, such as murder, rape, dacoity, and terrorism.
The trial is conducted in a Court of Sessions, presided over by a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge.
The trial follows the procedure laid down in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and the accused has the right to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses and to produce evidence in their defence. The judge will listen to the arguments of both parties and then make a decision on the guilt or innocence of the accused. If the accused is found guilty, the judge will then decide on the appropriate punishment.