CrPC Section 520
CrPC Section 520 – Court may permit accused to plead guilty
Text of Section 520 (simplified):
"When a person accused of an offence appears in court, the court may ask them whether they plead guilty or not. If the accused pleads guilty, the court may record the plea and proceed to convict them without the need for a full trial."
Explanation:
Key Concepts:
Accused: A person who has been charged with a crime under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Plead guilty: When the accused admits to committing the offence.
Court's discretion: The court can choose to accept the guilty plea but must ensure it is voluntary and informed.
Purpose of Section 520:
To simplify legal proceedings when the accused admits guilt.
Saves time and resources by avoiding a full trial when guilt is clear.
Ensures that the accused’s rights are protected—they should know the consequences of pleading guilty.
Procedure under Section 520:
The accused is asked in court: "Do you plead guilty or not guilty?"
If the accused pleads guilty:
The plea is recorded.
The court may summarily convict the accused based on the plea.
If the accused pleads not guilty:
The normal trial process continues.
Conditions for Using Section 520:
The accused must be competent to plead.
The plea must be voluntary, without coercion or undue influence.
The offence should be such that the court can accept a plea and pass a sentence without examining further evidence.
Legal Effect:
A guilty plea under Section 520 is treated as sufficient evidence of the offence.
The court can convict and sentence immediately.
Protects the accused from unnecessary lengthy proceedings if they voluntarily admit guilt.
✅ In short:
Section 520 allows a court to accept a voluntary guilty plea from the accused and convict them directly, saving time and avoiding a full trial, but the plea must be voluntary and informed.
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