Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) – Bare Act Free PDF Download

CrPC Bare Act: The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, commonly known as CrPC, was India’s main law that governed the procedural aspects of criminal jus

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) – Bare Act, Summary & Free PDF Download

CrPC Bare Act: The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, commonly known as CrPC, was India’s main law that governed the procedural aspects of criminal justice. It laid down the entire process for investigation, arrest, bail, trial, and punishment in criminal cases.

With the introduction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the CrPC has been repealed from July 1, 2024. However, its historical significance and conceptual relevance still make it extremely important for understanding India’s legal evolution.

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📜 What Was the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973?

The CrPC, 1973 was India’s principal law that:

• Outlined how criminal cases were to be conducted in courts

• Defined the powers of police, magistrates, and judges

• Established rules for arrest, investigation, bail, trial, appeal, and sentencing

• Ensured fair and just procedures in criminal justice

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📅 Historical Background

• Original CrPC enacted in: 1861 (during British rule)

• Revised and modernized CrPC passed in: 1973

• Came into effect on: April 1, 1974

• Repealed by: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

• Effective repeal date: July 1, 2024

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🧭 Objectives of CrPC

1. To provide uniform procedures for criminal trials across India

2. To ensure fair trials and due process of law

3. To balance the rights of the accused and powers of law enforcement

4. To enable the efficient functioning of criminal courts

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🧱 Structure of the CrPC, 1973

• Total Chapters: 37

• Total Sections: 484

• Schedules: 2

📖 Major Divisions in CrPC

1. Preliminary (Sections 1–5)

2. Constitution of Criminal Courts (Sections 6–25)

3. Power of Courts (Sections 26–35)

4. Arrest of Persons (Sections 36–60)

5. Processes to Compel Appearance (Sections 61–90)

6. Investigation Procedures (Sections 154–176)

7. Trials (Sections 225–265)

8. Judgments and Sentencing (Sections 353–365)

9. Appeals, Revisions and Transfers (Sections 372–405)

10. Miscellaneous Provisions (Sections 462–484)

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📘 Key Features of the CrPC

✅ FIR and Investigation

• FIR (First Information Report) under Section 154

• Investigation procedures governed by Sections 156–173

• Police required to complete investigation in a time-bound manner

✅ Arrest and Bail

• Police powers of arrest without warrant: Section 41

• Judicial oversight of arrests: Section 167

• Bail provisions covered under Sections 436–439

✅ Types of Trials

• Sessions Trial – For serious crimes like murder

• Warrant Trial – For offences punishable >2 years

• Summons Trial – For less serious crimes

• Summary Trial – For petty offences

✅ Fair Trial Safeguards

• Right to legal aid

• Presumption of innocence

• Prohibition on double jeopardy

✅ Appeal and Revision

• Provisions under Sections 372–405

• Right to appeal against conviction or acquittal

• High Courts have revisional powers

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📘 Important Sections You Should Know

1. Section 2 – Definitions (Cognizable, Non-cognizable, Inquiry, etc.)

2. Section 41 – When police may arrest without warrant

3. Section 154 – FIR procedure

4. Section 161 – Examination of witnesses by police

5. Section 167 – Magistrate's power to remand accused

6. Section 190 – Cognizance of offences by Magistrates

7. Section 197 – Sanction for prosecution of public servants

8. Section 313 – Examination of accused by court

9. Section 320 – Compounding of offences

10. Section 482 – Inherent powers of High Court

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🏛️ Courts Under CrPC

The CrPC laid out a hierarchical structure of criminal courts:

• Supreme Court of India

• High Courts of States

• Sessions Courts

• Chief Judicial Magistrates (CJM)

• Judicial Magistrates First and Second Class

• Metropolitan Magistrates (in urban areas)

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📥 How to Download CrPC Bare Act PDF

Though CrPC has been repealed, its Bare Act PDF remains relevant for academic and comparative studies. You can find it through:

• Official legal portals of India

• State judiciary websites

• Searching this term on your browser:
  "Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 Bare Act PDF site:gov.in"

It is available in English, Hindi, and regional languages.

Download CrPC Bare Act Pdf

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👩‍🎓 Who Should Study the CrPC Bare Act?

• Law students (LLB, LLM)

• Judiciary aspirants (PCS-J, APO, etc.)

• Legal professionals and public prosecutors

• Police officers and law enforcement trainees

• Paralegals and legal researchers

• UPSC/PSC aspirants with law optional

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🧠 Why Is CrPC Still Important?

Even though the CrPC has been repealed, it is still crucial for:

• Understanding India’s legal history and evolution

• Comparative law studies with BNSS

• Answering questions in judiciary exams, UPSC, CLAT PG, and bar council exams

• Academic discussions and reference in older case law

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is CrPC still applicable in India?

No, CrPC has been repealed from July 1, 2024, and replaced by BNSS, 2023.

Q2. What is CrPC full form?

CrPC stands for Code of Criminal Procedure.

Q3. Is CrPC civil or criminal law?

It is a criminal procedural law that deals with the process of investigation, trial, and punishment.

Q4. Can CrPC still be referred to in courts?

Yes, for cases filed before July 1, 2024, CrPC provisions may still apply.

Q5. Is CrPC important for judiciary exams?

Yes, it remains foundational for legal reasoning and is often asked in both objective and descriptive law exams.

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✍️ Conclusion

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) played a central role in India’s legal system for over 50 years. While it has now been replaced, its relevance continues in legal education, interpretation of older cases, and competitive exams. Download and study the Bare Act PDF to build a solid foundation in Indian criminal procedure.

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