CrPC Section 280

05 Jun 2025 --
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Text of Section 280:

"When a Judge pronounces an order of acquittal or conviction, the order shall be signed by him and shall state the point or points for determination and the decision thereon."

Explanation:

Section 280 of the CrPC deals with the formal requirements for recording and signing the judgment by a Judge after the conclusion of a criminal trial.

When does it apply?

This section applies at the conclusion of a trial in a criminal case, when the Judge is ready to deliver the final judgment — either acquitting or convicting the accused.

What is required from the Judge?

The order (or judgment) must be signed by the Judge who has conducted the trial.

The judgment must clearly state:

The point or points for determination — this means the legal or factual questions that the Judge has considered during the trial.

The decision on those points — the conclusion or outcome reached on each of those points.

Why is this important?

Clarity: It ensures that the judgment is clear and transparent. The reasoning behind the decision is documented.

Accountability: Since the judgment is signed, it shows who is responsible for the decision.

Legal validity: A judgment without signature or without stating points for determination and decision is incomplete and can be challenged in appeal.

Key Concepts in Section 280:

Points for Determination:
These are the key issues or questions that arise during the trial which the court must decide to arrive at a conclusion. For example:

Whether the accused committed the offence?

Whether the prosecution has proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt?

Decision on Points:
After considering evidence and arguments, the Judge records a clear finding on each point. For example:

"The accused is guilty of theft as the prosecution has proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt."

Or "The accused is not guilty as the prosecution failed to establish the charge."

Signature of the Judge:
The judgment must be signed by the Judge to authenticate the document as official and final.

Relation with other sections:

The requirement to state points for determination comes from earlier procedural mandates (like Section 227 and 239, which deal with framing of charges and summoning accused, where points are defined).

Section 282 CrPC requires that the judgment be pronounced in open court, which complements the signing and recording of the judgment under Section 280.