This batch provides complete practical training in Criminal Court practice. You will learn FIR procedures, arrest, bail, remand, charges, evidence, cross-examination, trial stages, case-law application, and drafting of all major criminal petitions.
With real case studies and step-by-step courtroom techniques, this batch helps you build strong practical skills to become a confident criminal law practicing advocate.

Court Practice Criminal Batch Syllabus

 

Phase 1: The Inception of Crime & Police Machinery (Pre-Trial)

Focuses on immediate legal responses after an offense occurs, utilizing the new mandates of the BNSS.

Module 1: Classification of Crimes & Initial Actions

• Practical Distinction: Cognizable vs. Non-Cognizable offenses; Bailable vs. Non-Bailable offenses.
• Registration of FIR (Section 173 BNSS): The process of lodging an FIR, handling Zero FIR, and the statutory process for e-FIR.
• Remedies against Non-Registration: Drafting and filing applications to the Superintendent of Police (Section 173(4) BNSS) and Magistrate Complaints (Section 175/223 BNSS).
• Practical / Drafting Clinic:
  • Drafting an information report/complaint to the Police.
  • Drafting an application to senior police officers for refusal to register an FIR.

 

Module 2: Arrest, Remand, and Forensic Mandates

• Arrest Procedures: Rights of the arrested person, the role of designated police officers, and protection guidelines for senior citizens/infirm individuals.
• Mandatory Forensics: Application of Section 176 BNSS—handling mandatory forensic investigations for offenses punishable by 7 years or more.
• Transit Remand & Police/Judicial Custody: Court procedure under Section 187 BNSS regarding the 15-day and 60/90-day remand cycles.
• Practical / Drafting Clinic:
  • Drafting a Remand Opposition Application.
  • Interpreting police case diaries and arrest memos.

 

Phase 2: Securing Liberty (Bail Jurisprudence)

The tactical approach to securing bail under new statutory guidelines.

Module 3: Anticipatory and Regular Bail

• Regular Bail Applications: Moving applications before the Magistrate and Sessions Courts.
• Anticipatory Bail: Strategizing and arguments for pre-arrest bail in the Sessions Court and High Court.
• Bail Conditions & Statutory/Default Bail: Understanding the new statutory timelines and rules regarding the release of undertrial prisoners.
• Practical / Drafting Clinic:
  • Drafting a Regular Bail Application (with grounds for urgent listing).
  • Drafting an Anticipatory Bail Application.
  • Drafting a Default Bail Application (for failure to file a chargesheet on time).

 

Phase 3: The Private Complaint Pathway

For cases where the police fail to act, or for offenses directly triable via private complaints.

Module 4: Filing a Private Complaint Before a Magistrate

• The Mechanism: Filing a complaint under Section 200 CrPC / Section 223 BNSS.
• Examination of Complainant: The process of recording statements of the complainant and witnesses (Pre-summoning evidence).
• The Prima Facie Test: Inquiry, investigation, and dismissal of complaints vs. issuance of process (Summons/Warrants).
• Practical / Drafting Clinic:
  • Drafting a comprehensive Private Criminal Complaint under the new Sanhita.
  • Drafting an application for a Magistrate-ordered police investigation.

 

Phase 4: Judicial Intervention & The Trial Phase

Navigating the courtroom from the moment the Court takes notice of the offense.

Module 5: Cognizance, Appearance, and Copy Distribution

• Taking Cognizance: The judicial mind applied to a Police Report (Chargesheet) or a Private Complaint.
• Securing Appearance: Service of Summons, Execution of Warrants, and Proclamation of Absconders.
• The 90-Day Mandate: Mandatory distribution of police reports and documents to the accused using digital/electronic mediums.

Module 6: Charge-Framing and Discharge

• The 60-Day Rule: The strict new BNSS timeline for framing charges from the date of the first hearing.
• Discharge Arguments: How to successfully argue a "No Prima Facie Case" to get the accused discharged before a trial begins.
• Practical / Drafting Clinic:
  • Drafting an Application for Discharge in a Sessions/Warrant Case.

 

Module 7: Types of Criminal Trials & Examination of Evidence

• Procedural Frameworks: Step-by-step navigation of a Sessions Trial, Warrant Trial, Summons Trial, and Summary Trial.
• Trial in Absentia (Section 356 BNSS): The procedure when an accused absconds.
• Plea Bargaining: Court practice for recording a mutually satisfactory disposition.
• The Trial Flow & Digital Evidence (BSA):
  • Opening statement by the Public Prosecutor.
  • Examination-in-Chief & Cross-Examination: Mastering the art of questioning witnesses under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
  • Proving electronic/digital records (Certificates for electronic evidence).
  • Statement of the Accused (Section 351 BNSS) and Defense Evidence.

 

Phase 5: Post-Trial, Judgment, and Appellate Practice

The final stages of a criminal dispute.

Module 8: Arguments, Judgments, and Sentencing

• Final Arguments: Structuring a defense or prosecution summation.
• The Timeline: Understanding the mandatory 30-to-45-day window for delivery of judgment post-arguments.
• Sentencing Hearing: The distinct, mandatory procedural step of arguing the quantum of sentence/applying for community service.

 

Module 9: Appeals, Revisions, and Special Remedies

• Appellate Court Practice: Grounds for filing an appeal against conviction vs. appeal against acquittal.
• Criminal Revision: When and how to challenge intermediate or interlocutory orders.
• Practical / Drafting Clinic:
  • Drafting an Appeal against Conviction (with an application for suspension of sentence).
  • Drafting a Criminal Revision Application.
  • Drafting a Judgment Writing Template (for aspiring judicial officers).