CrPC Section 22

CrPC Section 22 deals with the territorial jurisdiction of Magistrates in India. It specifies the area within which a Magistrate can exercise their authority to take cognizance of offences. Understanding this section is crucial for ensuring that legal proceedings are initiated in the correct jurisdiction, preventing jurisdictional conflicts and ensuring fair trial procedures.

This section helps define the boundaries of Magistrate powers, ensuring that cases are handled where the offence occurred or where the accused resides. It plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by maintaining order and clarity in legal processes.

CrPC Section 22 – Exact Provision

This section establishes that a Magistrate's powers are confined to a specific territorial area. The local limits of jurisdiction are determined by official notifications from the State Government or designated senior magistrates. This ensures that Magistrates act within their lawful boundaries, preventing overreach and confusion in criminal proceedings.

• Defines territorial limits for Magistrate's powers.

• Jurisdiction prescribed by State Government or senior magistrates.

• Ensures Magistrates act within lawful boundaries.

• Prevents jurisdictional conflicts in criminal cases.

Explanation of CrPC Section 22

Section 22 means a Magistrate can only act within the area assigned to them. They cannot take legal actions outside their territorial limits.

• States that Magistrates have territorial limits.

• Affects Magistrates and police officers working under them.

• Jurisdiction is set by State Government notifications.

• Magistrates can only take cognizance within their area.

• Actions outside jurisdiction are invalid.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 22

This section exists to maintain order in the criminal justice system by clearly defining where a Magistrate can exercise authority. It prevents overlapping powers and confusion, ensuring cases are handled in the proper locality. This protects citizens’ rights and upholds procedural fairness.

• Protects citizens from arbitrary jurisdiction claims.

• Ensures proper procedure in criminal cases.

• Balances Magistrate powers with territorial limits.

• Avoids misuse of authority beyond lawful area.

When CrPC Section 22 Applies

Section 22 applies whenever a Magistrate is to take cognizance of an offence or exercise powers under the CrPC. It ensures the Magistrate acts within the prescribed territorial jurisdiction.

• Applicable when Magistrate initiates criminal proceedings.

• Territorial limits set by State Government or senior magistrates.

• Only Magistrates within jurisdiction can act.

• Limits jurisdiction to specific areas notified publicly.

• Exceptions only if jurisdiction is legally extended.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 22

Cognizance is taken by a Magistrate only within their territorial jurisdiction as defined by Section 22. They cannot take cognizance of offences committed outside their area unless jurisdiction is lawfully extended. This ensures proper legal authority and prevents invalid proceedings.

• Magistrate must confirm territorial jurisdiction before cognizance.

• Cognizance outside jurisdiction is invalid.

• Jurisdictional limits are publicly notified.

Bailability under CrPC Section 22

Section 22 itself does not directly address bailability but affects it indirectly by defining jurisdiction. Bailability depends on the offence and applicable laws, but the Magistrate exercising jurisdiction under Section 22 will decide bail matters accordingly.

• Bail decisions made by Magistrate within jurisdiction.

• Bailability depends on offence nature, not Section 22.

• Jurisdictional clarity ensures valid bail proceedings.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 22)

Cases under Section 22 are triable by Magistrates within their territorial limits. Sessions Courts or higher courts may be involved depending on the offence, but initial cognizance and trial start at the Magistrate level within jurisdiction.

• Magistrates exercise jurisdiction within territorial limits.

• Sessions Court handles appeals or serious offences.

• Trial location depends on offence and jurisdiction.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 22

Appeals against orders or judgments by Magistrates exercising jurisdiction under Section 22 follow the normal appellate hierarchy. Revision petitions may be filed in higher courts if jurisdictional errors occur, ensuring checks and balances.

• Appeals to Sessions Court or High Court as applicable.

• Revision petitions for jurisdictional or procedural errors.

• Timelines depend on offence and court rules.

Example of CrPC Section 22 in Practical Use

Person X commits an offence in District A. The Magistrate in District B receives a complaint but cannot take cognizance as the offence occurred outside their jurisdiction. The complaint is transferred to the Magistrate in District A, who has territorial jurisdiction under Section 22. This ensures the case is heard in the correct locality, maintaining legal propriety.

• Section 22 ensured proper jurisdictional authority.

• Prevented invalid proceedings outside territorial limits.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 22

Section 22 has been part of the CrPC since its early versions, evolving to clarify territorial jurisdiction amid India's diverse administrative divisions. Amendments have refined notification procedures and jurisdictional boundaries to adapt to changing governance structures.

• Originally defined territorial limits for Magistrates.

• Amendments improved clarity on jurisdiction notifications.

• Adapted to administrative changes over time.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 22

In 2026, Section 22 remains vital for maintaining jurisdictional clarity amid digital crime reporting and inter-district cooperation. It helps courts and police coordinate effectively while protecting citizens from jurisdictional overreach.

• Supports jurisdiction clarity in digital and physical cases.

• Facilitates proper case allocation among Magistrates.

• Prevents misuse of jurisdiction in modern policing.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 22

• Section 177 – Place of inquiry or trial

• Section 178 – Transfer of cases

• Section 179 – Transfer of cases by High Court

• Section 20 – Jurisdiction of criminal courts in general

• Section 21 – Jurisdiction of courts of Session

Case References under CrPC Section 22

1. State of Maharashtra v. Dr. Praful B. Desai (2003, 4 SCC 601)

   – Territorial jurisdiction must be strictly followed to maintain legal propriety in criminal cases.

2. R.K. Garg v. Union of India (1981, AIR 1115)

   – Jurisdictional limits prevent arbitrary exercise of Magistrate powers.

3. Bhagwan Singh v. State of Haryana (1975, AIR 1331)

   – Magistrate’s jurisdiction is confined to local limits as notified.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 22

• Section:

  22

• Title:

  Territorial Jurisdiction of Magistrate

• Nature:

  Procedural

• Applies To:

  Magistrates, Police

• Cognizance:

  Taken within territorial limits

• Bailability:

  Depends on offence, not section

• Triable By:

  Magistrate within jurisdiction

Conclusion on CrPC Section 22

CrPC Section 22 is fundamental in defining the territorial jurisdiction of Magistrates, ensuring that criminal cases are initiated and tried in the proper locality. This prevents jurisdictional conflicts, protects citizens from arbitrary legal actions, and maintains the orderly administration of justice.

By clearly prescribing territorial limits, Section 22 balances the powers of Magistrates with procedural fairness. It supports the integrity of the criminal justice system by ensuring that cases are handled by the appropriate authorities within their lawful boundaries.

FAQs on CrPC Section 22

What does CrPC Section 22 specify?

It specifies the territorial limits within which a Magistrate can exercise their powers and take cognizance of offences, ensuring legal authority is confined to a defined area.

Who decides the territorial jurisdiction under Section 22?

The State Government prescribes territorial jurisdiction by public notification, or it can be defined by the Chief Judicial Magistrate or District Magistrate.

Can a Magistrate take cognizance outside their jurisdiction?

No, a Magistrate cannot take cognizance of offences committed outside their territorial limits unless jurisdiction is lawfully extended.

Does Section 22 affect bail decisions?

Section 22 does not directly address bail but ensures that bail decisions are made by Magistrates exercising proper territorial jurisdiction.

What happens if a case is filed in the wrong jurisdiction?

The case may be transferred to the correct Magistrate with proper jurisdiction, or the proceedings may be declared invalid if jurisdictional limits are not respected.