Sentences which Magistrates may pass.

What this section does

Sets out the maximum sentences that Magistrates of different classes may impose. A Chief Judicial Magistrate may pass any sentence except death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment exceeding seven years. A First Class Magistrate is limited to three years' imprisonment or a fine of fifty thousand rupees or both or community service; a Second Class Magistrate to one year's imprisonment or a fine of ten thousand rupees or both or community service. Community service is defined as unpaid work benefiting the community ordered as punishment.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Procedure at a glance

Key actors

Chief Judicial Magistrate · Magistrate of the First Class · Magistrate of the Second Class

Time limit

None specified

Derived from CrPC s.29.