Section 6 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, outlines the classes of criminal courts in India, which are established in addition to the High Courts and other courts formed under different laws. The section specifies the following classes of criminal courts within each state:
Courts of Session: These are the highest criminal courts in a district, presided over by a Sessions Judge. They handle serious criminal cases and have the authority to impose severe sentences, including capital punishment.
Judicial Magistrates of the First Class: These magistrates deal with criminal cases that are less serious than those handled by the Sessions Court. They can sentence individuals to imprisonment for terms not exceeding three years, along with fines.
Judicial Magistrates of the Second Class: These magistrates have jurisdiction over minor criminal matters and can impose sentences of up to one year of imprisonment.
Executive Magistrates: They are responsible for maintaining public order and have the authority to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.
This structure is designed to ensure that the criminal justice system operates efficiently, with each class of court handling specific types of cases based on their severity and nature.