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Criminal Law: Understanding Crimes, Defenses & Legal Procedures

  • In India, criminal law establishes offences and punishments as well as the procedure of law in the IPC and CrPC. 
  • Criminal law facilitates justice through an individual’s ability to have a fair trial and to engage in the process of due process. 
  • An individual requires a lawyer from the moment an FIR is filed until they are finished appealing in the government courts.  
  • Diligence Certifications can help individuals at any stage of the criminal litigation process. 
  • If a person understands criminal law, it will help them take the right steps in order to protect their rights.
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Introduction

When a small business owner from Delhi was taken into custody under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (cheating and dishonesty), his relatives had some idea of the criminal justice process, but little solid understanding. The FIR arose from a false complaint from a rival vendor. Within hours, his reputation, business, and peace of mind were adversely affected.

When his wife contacted Diligence Certifications, our criminal legal team intervened immediately. We were able to obtain anticipatory bail, we collected documentary evidence, and we demonstrated that the allegations had been manufactured. Within weeks, the High Court disposed of the case.

These kinds of cases demonstrate the value of expert criminal legal advice — where strategy, timing, and evidence ultimately determine one’s fate.

Criminal law is not merely confined to punishment, but is also concerned with safeguarding rights, ensuring processes are fair, and upholding justice, which are fundamental principles of India’s justice system.

Understanding Criminal Law in India

Criminal law in India talks about offenses against society and prescribes punishments. Criminal law differs from civil law in that civil law deals with disputes between individuals, while criminal law relates to the action that endangers public order and safety. In criminal law it is the state that prosecutes crimes on behalf of society. 

In addition to punishing the offender, the primary objectives are to deter those who would offend, to exact retribution against the wrongdoer, and rehabilitate the wrongdoer for re-entry into society. The function of punishment – deterring, retribution, and rehabilitating offenders – reinforces social order while respecting human dignity.

India’s criminal law is derived from three primary sources: the Indian Penal Code (substantive law relating to crimes), the Criminal Procedure Code (rules that inform practices of investigation and trials), and the Indian Evidence Act (a law that governs prospective about any evidence lawfully before the court to be considered).

The Foundation – Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Created in 1860, the Indian Penal Code still serves as the framework for criminal law in India. It still has a colonial influence, which has been changed and amended numerous times to accommodate present-day crimes.

Key Sections:

  • Section 302 addresses murder, or punishment for intentional killing. The distinction can determine the difference between a death penalty and seven years of imprisonment as there is a legal difference between murder and culpable homicide.
  • Section 420 addresses cheating and dishonesty, which has become so culturally significant it made it to common use as “420.” In recent years, and with the increase in financial frauds, Ponzi schemes, etc. this section has gained cultural significance.
  • Section 376 addresses rape and sexual assault. In an attempt to strengthen the provisions surrounding rape and sexual assault post-Nirbhaya case, the Criminal Law Amendment Act Per 2013 amended the provisions regarding rape and sexual assault to provide for stricter sentences, and provide more clarity regarding consent.
  • Section 498A addresses cruelty by husband or relatives of husband. It is a provision designed to protect women from dowry harassment. While it helped get justice for legitimate victims of dowry harassment, it has also been misused within matrimonial disputes and led to guidelines established by the Supreme Court of India.

The sections of cybercrime address hacking, identity theft, online fraud, etc., and recognize the fact that criminals now operate from a digital space.

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Its Role

It is important to understand criminal procedure. The CrPC outlines the stages of a criminal case, from initiation to resolution. 

The Journey:

All cases begin with an FIR (First Information Report). The police must record FIRs immediately in cognizable offences at the direction of Section 154. You have the right to obtain a copy of your FIR. 

Once the FIR is recorded, police will begin their investigation. The officers will try to gather evidence and take witness statements. If you anticipate being arrested for a non-bailable offence, you should consider seeking anticipatory bail under Section 438. 

After the investigation is completed, the police will prepare a charge sheet to provide supporting evidence to justify laying of charges (if they have supporting evidence). The magistrate will then decide if evidentiary proof exists to lay charges. This is an important step where smart lawyers can sometimes get charges overturned. 

After the charge sheet is reviewed by the magistrate, the case will go to trial. The trial is orderly and sequenced: prosecutor calls their witnesses, defence lawyer cross-examines the witnesses for the prosecution, then the defence presents its case. You don’t have to prove you’re innocent at trial, but the crown needs to prove you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rights of the Accused and the Complainant

The Constitution provides essential rights in the context of a criminal investigation. Under Article 20, a defendant cannot be compelled to testify against himself, nor can he be tried twice for the same offence. Article 21 protects individuals from losing their liberty without following the correct procedures. Article 22 protects arrested persons by ensuring they are afforded certain rights, including the right to speak to a lawyer.

Rights to Bail:

The presumption is “bail, not jail.” With bailable offences, bail is almost automatic. For non-bailable offences, the courts take into account the seriousness of the crime, strength of evidence, and flight risk of a defendant.

Anticipatory bail as defined under Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows for protection in advance of being arrested. The courts will grant anticipatory bail at such a point when the person under arrest would be subject to unreasonable or vindictive actions.

The right to legal aid is similar to the right to a defence. That is, legal aid ensures that a person who cannot afford a lawyer is nonetheless entitled to represent themselves with a lawyer with the help of a state legal services authority.

How Criminal Lawyers Build Defence Strategies

A lawyer must be knowledgeable about the law, investigate all facts, and think strategically while defending a criminal case. It is critical to start by listening to the client’s full story. People often do not mention specific details because they do not feel they are relevant when in fact they are very important legally. For example, an alibi that is mentioned in passing may become the basis of a full-out criminal defense. 

  • Analyzing evidence can be an important part of the defense. Review every document including the FIR, witness statements, and any forensic lab reports. You will usually notice inconsistencies about timing or description. Also various types of video, like CCTV, and cell phone records, may support an alibi defense. 
  • It is also important to analyze witnesses’ credibility. For example, during cross-examination, reveal inconsistencies small and large. A witness who says they see everything clearly may admit that the crime took place at night where no streetlights were present. 

Here is a short list of common mistakes:

  • Speaking with police when a lawyer is not present
  • Destroying evidence in a panic
  • Calling the complainant directly
  • Posting something about the case on social media

Difference Between Civil and Criminal Law

Civil law and criminal law operate on fundamentally different principles within the legal system and it is important for anyone engaging with the justice system to understand these differences. While both branches ultimately aim to protect legal rights, the nature of the wrongs addressed, the processes involved, and the results of each are quite different. 

Nature of the Dispute

Civil law is concerned with private wrongs or disputes between persons or entities. Examples of civil law disputes include:

  • Breach of contract 
  • Property issues 
  • Family law matters such as divorce or maintenance claims 
  • Personal injury claims

Civil law is primarily focused on putting the injured parties back in the position they were in before the wrong occurred, usually by monetary award or specific performance. 

Criminal law deals with public wrongs that affect society as a whole. These are referred to as wrongs against the state, and include: 

  • Theft and robbery
  • Assault and bodily harm 
  • Murder and manslaughter 
  • Fraud and corruption 

In criminal law, the state initiates proceedings against the offender because it argues that crime harms both the individual victim and society as a whole.

Burden of Proof  

The most notable difference is the burden of proof.  

In criminal law, proof beyond reasonable doubt is required. This is a high burden of proof because imprisonment or even death is at stake with a conviction. The prosecution has the burden of proving to the court that there is no reasonable explanation for what is alleged to have occurred.  

In civil law, a preponderance of probabilities is required, meaning the claimant must prove that their version of events is more likely than not, or greater than 50% probable. The penalties are usually financial rather than a penalty for punishment.  

This difference shows the gravity of the potential consequences: criminal law entails possible deprivation of liberty, while civil law entails the reimbursement of damages.  

Outcomes and Remedies  

The remedies available under civil law and criminal law are vastly different:   

Outcomes in civil law are geared toward compensation or enforcing a right. The court may order the defendant to pay damages, compel specific performance under a contract, or an injunction preventing the defendant from performing certain acts.  

Outcomes in criminal law are mostly punitive. Convictions can result in imprisonment, fines, community service, probation, or even death in very limited circumstances. The aim of the criminal law is to punish the offender, deter crime, and protect society.  

Interestingly, the same event can give rise to civil and criminal proceedings.

 For example:

  • If a person assaults another, criminal proceedings can lead to imprisonment under Sections 323 or 325 IPC.
  • Simultaneously, the victim may file a civil suit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

Differences in Procedure

Civil cases are usually brought by the party claiming to be harmed by filing a lawsuit, and the burden to prove their case rests on the plaintiff bringing the claim. Criminal cases arise out of the state by way of police investigation and prosecution, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The procedure in civil cases is more flexible and usually encourages settlement, or alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration. In criminal cases the procedure is more rigid and conforms to the stringent protocols imposed by CrPC to protect fairness and fundamental rights and public confidence in the judiciary.

Legal Representation

Although having legal representation is vitally important for both cases, often the stakes are higher in criminal law because of possible incarceration. Adequate criminal defence requires thorough knowledge of procedural law, evidence law, and case law. Civil disputes are also complex, yet tend to be easier, since they are usually based on an analysis of a breach of a contract, tort, or property considerations.

Role of Criminal Lawyers in India

Criminal lawyers function as advisors, investigators, negotiators, and advocates. We provide our clients with objective assessments of their legal positions, conduct independent investigations, negotiate with police and prosecutors, and make courtroom arguments.

Picking a Good Criminal Lawyer:

  • Experience in criminal law specifically
  • Reputation with judges and prosecutors
  • Availability and ability to communicate
  • Transparency in fees

Client confidentiality is sacred; everything you tell us is privileged and no one can ever disclose it.

Conclusion

Criminal law is fundamentally, after so many years of dealing in it, about people and their situations, their need for justice or forgiveness. Justice is not simply about punishment; it is about restoring order.

While the law can sometimes feel overwhelming, there is a basic principle: everyone deserves their day in court, everyone deserves to be heard, and everyone deserves fair justice.

If you’re involved in a criminal matter, whether as accused or complainant, seek legal representation from an experienced criminal lawyer. Early intervention often has the critical path to a positive vs. negative outcome. Don’t do it alone; the stakes are too high and the system too complex

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Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal law relates to wrongdoings against a state or society which characterise an act as a crime and assigns penalties for the crime under the IPC or other legal statutes.

 

The police inquiry the allegation, gather evidence, and subsequently may file a charge sheet which is then presented to a judicial body in order to initiate a trial. 

Yes, under sec. 438 CrPC, individuals who fear arrest may seek the protection of anticipatory bail before they are even arrested. 

Criminal law punishes wrongs committed against the public (theft, assault etc.) while civil law deals with disputes between individuals (contracts, property law etc.).

The time of a case may be a matter of individual circumstances, the complexity of the case, and the caseload of the court. Having a lawyer early in the process could lessen some time waste.

Certain cases can be withdrawn by the public prosecutor, under Sec. 321 CrPC. The approval of the court is necessary.

The accused has a right to the benefit of legal counsel, to a fair trial and does not have the right to be arrested illegally (Art 20, 21, and 22 of the Constitution).

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