Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
Posted on : 3 December, 2025 1:27 am
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 is one of the most important laws in India. It explains how criminal cases begin, how investigations happen, how courts work, how trials take place, and how punishment is given.
If the Indian Penal Code (IPC) tells us what is a crime, then the CrPC tells us how to take action against that crime.
This blog explains the CrPC in a simple way so that any law student, CLAT aspirant, judiciary aspirant, or general reader can understand it easily.
What is CrPC?
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is the law that provides the procedure for:
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filing FIRs
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conducting arrests
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collecting evidence
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presenting charges
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trials in criminal courts
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appeals and revisions
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maintenance orders
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rights of accused and victims
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police and magistrate powers
It ensures fairness, transparency, and justice.
Why CrPC is Important?
CrPC plays a crucial role because it:
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protects fundamental rights
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prevents misuse of police powers
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ensures fair investigation
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gives accused a fair trial
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ensures victims get justice and remedies
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creates a uniform process across India
Without CrPC, India’s criminal justice system would become unorganized and unfair.
Structure of CrPC (Chapters & Sections)
CrPC has:
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37 Chapters
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484 Sections
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2 Schedules
Below is a quick structure:
| Part | Covers |
|---|---|
| Sections 1–5 | Introduction & definitions |
| Sections 6–35 | Criminal courts & powers |
| Sections 36–48 | Arrests & police powers |
| Sections 49–60 | Production before magistrate |
| Sections 61–90 | Summons, Warrants |
| Sections 91–105 | Evidence, search & seizure |
| Sections 106–124 | Security proceedings |
| Sections 125–128 | Maintenance |
| Sections 129–132 | Public order |
| Sections 154–176 | FIR & Police Investigation |
| Sections 177–189 | Jurisdiction |
| Sections 190–199 | Cognizance of offences |
| Sections 200–210 | Complaints to magistrate |
| Sections 211–224 | Charge framing |
| Sections 225–237 | Sessions trials |
| Sections 238–250 | Warrant cases |
| Sections 251–259 | Summons cases |
| Sections 260–265 | Summary trials |
| Sections 265A–265L | Plea bargaining |
| Sections 366–371 | Death penalty confirmation |
| Sections 372–394 | Appeals |
| Sections 397–405 | Revisions |
| Sections 406–412 | Transfers |
| Sections 413–435 | Execution of sentences |
| Sections 436–450 | Bail provisions |
| Sections 451–459 | Property disposal |
| Sections 460–466 | Irregular proceedings |
| Sections 468–473 | Limitation |
| Sections 474–484 | Miscellaneous |
Key Terms in CrPC (With Simple Meanings)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FIR (Section 154) | First information report of a cognizable crime |
| Cognizable Offence | Police can arrest without warrant |
| Non-Cognizable Offence | Police need court order to arrest |
| Bailable Offence | Bail is a right |
| Non-Bailable Offence | Bail is not a right |
| Charge Sheet (Sec 173) | Police report submitted after investigation |
| Summons | Order to appear before court |
| Warrant | Order to arrest a person |
| Anticipatory Bail (Sec 438) | Bail in advance before arrest |
How Criminal Cases Start? (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Commission of Crime
A crime occurs.
Step 2: FIR Registration
Victim or witness goes to police station → Section 154 (FIR for cognizable offences).
Step 3: Police Investigation
Police gather evidence, examine witnesses, make arrests.
Step 4: Charge Sheet
Police file the charge sheet (Sec 173).
Step 5: Court Takes Cognizance
Magistrate accepts the case for trial (Sec 190).
Step 6: Charges are Framed
Court decides which charges apply.
Step 7: Trial Begins
Witnesses are examined, evidence is presented, and arguments are made.
Step 8: Judgment
Court declares acquittal or conviction.
Step 9: Appeal
If dissatisfied, parties can appeal in higher courts.
FIR and Investigation Under CrPC
FIR (Section 154)
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Only for cognizable offences
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Victim, witness, or even third person can file
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FIR must be written & signed
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Police must give a free copy to complainant
Types of FIR
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zero FIR | Can be filed in any police station |
| Regular FIR | Filed at the jurisdictional police station |
Investigation (Sections 154–176)
Police responsibilities:
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visit crime scene
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collect physical evidence
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record witness statements (Sec 161)
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arrest accused (if needed)
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do medical examinations (Sec 164A)
Final outcome → Charge Sheet or Closure Report.
Arrest Procedures Under CrPC
Arrest Without Warrant (Sec 41)
Police can arrest if:
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person committed a cognizable offence
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person is a habitual offender
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arrest is required for investigation
Arrest With Warrant
Issued by magistrate (Sec 70).
Rights of Arrested Person
| Right | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Right to know the reason of arrest | Sec 50 |
| Right to bail in bailable offences | Sec 436 |
| Right to legal aid | Article 22 |
| Right to be produced before magistrate within 24 hours | Sec 57 |
Bail Under CrPC
Kinds of Bail
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Regular Bail | After arrest (Sec 437/439) |
| Anticipatory Bail | Before arrest (Sec 438) |
| Interim Bail | Temporary bail |
When Bail is Mandatory?
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In bailable offences
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When investigation is not completed within prescribed time (60/90 days)
Types of Criminal Trials Under CrPC
| Type of Trial | Sections | Used For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sessions Trial | Sec 225–237 | Serious offences (rape, murder) | Slow |
| Warrant Case Trial | Sec 238–250 | Offences punishable with ≥ 2 years | Medium |
| Summons Trial | Sec 251–259 | Minor offences | Fast |
| Summary Trial | Sec 260–265 | Very minor offences | Very Fast |
Evidence Rules Under CrPC
CrPC works together with the Indian Evidence Act.
Important points:
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Statements under Section 161 (police)
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Confessions & statements under Section 164 (magistrate)
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Medical evidence under Section 164A
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Identification parades
Complaints to Magistrate (If Police Refuse FIR)
If police do not register FIR, you can:
Option 1: Approach SP
Under Section 154(3).
Option 2: Approach Magistrate (Sec 156(3))
Magistrate can order police to investigate.
Option 3: File a Direct Complaint (Sec 200)
Magistrate takes cognizance directly.
Maintenance Under CrPC (Section 125)
CrPC provides maintenance to:
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wife (including divorced wife)
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children
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parents
Purpose: Prevent destitution and ensure basic survival.
Plea Bargaining (Sections 265A–265L)
Introduced in 2006.
Accused admits guilt → gets lesser punishment.
Used mainly for minor offences.
Appeals & Revisions
Appeals
| Court | Appeal To |
|---|---|
| Magistrate | Sessions Court |
| Sessions Court | High Court |
| High Court | Supreme Court |
Revisions (Sec 397–405)
Higher courts correct mistakes made by lower courts.
Important Recent Amendments
Some notable updates in recent years:
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Faster investigation timeline in rape cases
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Increase in victim compensation schemes
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Video-conferencing allowed for court proceedings
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Zero FIR widely accepted in all states
CrPC vs IPC vs Evidence Act (Quick Comparison)
| Aspect | CrPC | IPC | Evidence Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deals With | Procedure | Substantive law | Rules of evidence |
| Focus | How trial happens | What is crime | What is admissible |
| Goal | Justice process | Define crimes & punishments | Ensure fair proof |
Who Should Study CrPC Deeply?
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Law students (LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB)
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CLAT/AILET aspirants
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Judiciary aspirants
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Police & administrative officers
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Anyone interested in law
Benefits of Understanding CrPC
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Helps in litigation
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Useful for internships
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Good for competitive exams
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Helps citizens understand their rights
Conclusion
The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is the backbone of India’s criminal justice system. It ensures that every investigation, arrest, trial, and punishment happens fairly, transparently, and legally.
For law students, understanding CrPC is essential because it forms the foundation of criminal law practice.
Whether you want to become a lawyer, judge, police officer, or legal researcher, a strong command over CrPC will always benefit your career.