Criminal Procedure Code Pakistan 1898 - CRPC

The Criminal Procedure Code of Pakistan 1898 (CrPC) is the key legislation that outlines the procedural framework for the investigation, prosecution, and trial of criminal offenses in Pakistan. Enacted during British colonial rule, it remains the primary legal tool guiding criminal justice proceedings in the country. The CrPC works in conjunction with the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to regulate how criminal cases are handled, from the initial investigation to final judgment and appeals. The CrPC is divided into multiple chapters, detailing various stages of the criminal process. It governs the powers and duties of law enforcement agencies, such as the police, in conducting investigations, making arrests, and filing charges. It also establishes the roles of judicial officers, such as magistrates and judges, in overseeing trials and delivering justice. Additionally, the CrPC provides guidelines on the rights of the accused, including the right to a fair trial, bail, and legal representation. The code sets out procedures for different types of offenses, whether they are cognizable (where the police can arrest without a warrant) or non-cognizable (requiring a warrant). It also outlines the process for submitting evidence, conducting trials, issuing warrants, and appealing verdicts. Despite its colonial origins, the CrPC has been amended over time to reflect the changing needs of Pakistan’s legal system, incorporating provisions to deal with modern issues like terrorism and cybercrime. It plays a critical role in ensuring due process and upholding the rule of law in Pakistan’s criminal justice system.