Criminal law and litigation encompass the legal framework and procedures involved in addressing criminal offenses. Criminal lawis primarily governed by the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which defines various criminal offenses and their corresponding punishments. The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) outlines the procedural aspects of criminal litigation, including the investigation, trial, and appeal processes. Additionally, other statutes, such as the Indian Evidence Act, provide rules for the admissibility of evidence in criminal cases.

Criminal litigation follows a structured process. It begins with the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) at a police station, triggering an investigation by the police. The police collect evidence, record statements, and submit a charge sheet to the court if they find sufficient grounds to proceed with the case. Subsequently, the court conducts a trial, where both the prosecution and the defense present their respective cases, examine witnesses, and present evidence. The judge assesses the evidence and delivers a verdict based on the facts and applicable laws.

The procedures in criminal litigation are designed to ensure fairness and protect the rights of the accused. These include the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the right to legal representation, the right to a fair trial, and the right to cross-examine witnesses. The burden of proof rests on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Indian criminal justice system also allows for appeals. If dissatisfied with the trial court’s judgment, the accused or the prosecution can approach higher courts for a review of the case. The appellate courts re-examine the evidence and legal arguments to determine if any errors occurred during the trial process or if there are grounds for a different verdict.