Hierarchy of Criminal Courts and their powers to pass sentences

Hierarchy of Criminal Courts and their powers to pass sentences

1. SUPREME COURT

(Any sentence authorized by law)

2. HIGH COURT

(Any sentence authorized by law)

3. SESSIONS COURT

(Sessions Judge, Additional Sessions Judge- any sentence authorized by law; sentence of Death is subject to confirmation by High Court)

4. Assistant Sessions Judge

(Imprisonment up to 10 years or/ and fine)

5. Chief Metropolitan, Magistrate or Additional CMM

(Imprisonment up to 7 years or/ and fine)

(i) Metropolitan Magistrate

(Imprisonment up to 3 year or/ and 3 year or/ and fine up to Rs. 10,000)

(ii) Special Metropolitan Magistrate

(Imprisonment up to 3 years or/ and fine up to Rs 10,000)

6. Chief Judicial Magistrate or Additional CJM

(Imprisonment up to 7 years or/ and fine)

(a) Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate

(up to 3 years or/ and fine up to Rs. 10,000)

(i) Judicial Magistrate or Special J. M.of First Class

(Imprisonment up to 3 year or/ and fine up to 10,000)

(ii) Judicial Magistrate or Special J.M. of Second Class

(Imprisonment up to 1 year or/ and fine up to Rs 5000)