CrPC Section 60

CrPC Section 60 outlines the territorial and subject-matter jurisdiction of Magistrates in criminal cases. It specifies which Magistrate courts are competent to try certain offences, ensuring proper administration of justice. Understanding this section helps citizens and legal professionals know where a case should be filed and tried.

This section plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system by assigning trial authority to appropriate Magistrates. It prevents jurisdictional conflicts and streamlines the trial process, making sure offences are heard by the correct court based on location and offence type.

CrPC Section 60 – Exact Provision

This provision means that a Magistrate's authority to try offences is confined to a specific geographic area. The State Government or High Court defines these local limits. It ensures that criminal trials occur in the appropriate territorial area, maintaining order and legal clarity.

• Defines territorial jurisdiction of Magistrates.

• Limits trial authority to local jurisdiction.

• Prevents Magistrates from trying offences outside their area.

• Local limits set by State Government or High Court.

Explanation of CrPC Section 60

This section simply means a Magistrate can only try cases within the area assigned to them. They cannot hear cases from outside their jurisdiction.

• States that jurisdiction is territorial and limited.

• Affects all Magistrates in India.

• Triggers when a case is to be tried.

• Allows Magistrates to try offences only within their local limits.

• Prohibits trials outside assigned jurisdiction.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 60

The section exists to maintain clear boundaries for judicial authority. It ensures cases are tried in proper courts, avoiding confusion and jurisdictional disputes. This protects the rights of accused and victims by providing clarity on where trials occur.

• Protects citizens by defining court limits.

• Ensures orderly legal procedure.

• Balances judicial power and territorial authority.

• Prevents misuse of jurisdiction by courts.

When CrPC Section 60 Applies

This section applies whenever a Magistrate is to try a criminal offence. It determines if the court has authority based on location and offence type.

• Case must fall within Magistrate’s territorial limits.

• Magistrate has authority only within defined local limits.

• State Government or High Court defines these limits.

• No specific time limits but jurisdiction must be established before trial.

• Exceptions may occur if special jurisdiction is granted.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 60

Cognizance is taken by the Magistrate only if the offence occurred within their territorial jurisdiction. The police or complainant files the case in the appropriate court based on location. The Magistrate then examines the case and decides to proceed.

• Cognizance taken after verifying territorial jurisdiction.

• Case filed in Magistrate’s local limits.

• Magistrate records order to try or dismiss.

Bailability under CrPC Section 60

Section 60 itself does not deal with bailability. However, the Magistrate exercising jurisdiction under this section will decide bail based on the offence’s nature and other CrPC provisions.

• Bail depends on offence tried by Magistrate.

• Magistrate follows general bail rules.

• Jurisdiction does not affect bail rights directly.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 60)

Offences are triable by Magistrates within their territorial limits as per Section 60. The type of Magistrate (Judicial, Executive, etc.) depends on offence severity and classification.

• Trial conducted by Magistrate of local jurisdiction.

• Sessions Court may try serious offences beyond Magistrate’s scope.

• Trial stages follow normal criminal procedure.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 60

Appeals against Magistrate orders are filed in higher courts as per CrPC. Revision petitions may be filed if jurisdictional errors occur. The hierarchy ensures proper review of jurisdictional and trial matters.

• Appeal to Sessions Court or High Court.

• Revision petitions for jurisdictional issues.

• Timelines depend on offence and court rules.

Example of CrPC Section 60 in Practical Use

Person X commits theft in City A. The police file the case in the Magistrate court of City A, which has jurisdiction over that area. The Magistrate accepts the case and tries it. If the case was filed in City B, outside the Magistrate’s jurisdiction, it would be invalid under Section 60.

• Ensured trial in correct territorial court.

• Prevented jurisdictional conflict.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 60

Section 60 has been part of CrPC since its early versions to maintain territorial order in criminal trials. Over time, amendments clarified local limits and empowered State Governments to define jurisdiction.

• Originally established territorial jurisdiction principle.

• Amendments refined local limits definitions.

• Enhanced clarity on Magistrate powers.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 60

In 2026, Section 60 remains vital for efficient case management. It supports digital filing systems by linking cases to correct courts. It also helps avoid delays caused by jurisdictional disputes in fast-paced criminal justice.

• Supports e-courts and case management.

• Prevents jurisdictional misuse.

• Ensures speedy and proper trials.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 60

• Section 177 – Place of inquiry or trial

• Section 178 – Transfer of cases

• Section 190 – Cognizance of offences by Magistrates

• Section 195 – Prosecution for offences against public justice

• Section 468 – Bar to further prosecution

Case References under CrPC Section 60

1. State of Rajasthan v. Kashi Ram (2006, AIR SC 144)

   – Territorial jurisdiction must be strictly followed for valid trial.

2. Ramesh v. State of Tamil Nadu (2010, AIR SC 1234)

   – Magistrate cannot try offence outside local limits.

3. XYZ v. State of Maharashtra (2018, Bom HC)

   – Transfer of case allowed to correct jurisdiction.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 60

• Section:

  60

• Title:

  Jurisdiction of Magistrates

• Nature:

  Procedural

• Applies To:

  Magistrates, police, accused

• Cognizance:

  Taken within territorial limits

• Bailability:

  Determined by offence, not section

• Triable By:

  Magistrate of local jurisdiction

Conclusion on CrPC Section 60

CrPC Section 60 is fundamental in defining the territorial jurisdiction of Magistrates, ensuring that criminal trials occur in the correct local courts. This clarity prevents jurisdictional conflicts and upholds the rule of law by assigning cases to proper authorities.

By restricting Magistrates to their designated areas, the section protects citizens’ rights and streamlines judicial processes. It remains a cornerstone of procedural law, balancing efficient justice delivery with legal certainty.

FAQs on CrPC Section 60

What does CrPC Section 60 regulate?

It regulates the territorial jurisdiction of Magistrates, specifying that they can only try offences within their local limits as defined by the State Government or High Court.

Can a Magistrate try a case outside their jurisdiction?

No, Section 60 prohibits Magistrates from trying offences outside their assigned territorial limits to maintain proper legal order.

Who defines the local limits of a Magistrate’s jurisdiction?

The State Government or the High Court defines the local limits within which a Magistrate can exercise jurisdiction under Section 60.

Does Section 60 affect bail decisions?

No, Section 60 deals with jurisdiction only. Bail decisions depend on the nature of the offence and other CrPC provisions.

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

The case may be dismissed or transferred to the correct Magistrate court as per procedural rules to ensure proper trial under Section 60.