Report No. 79

14. Criminal appeals, revisions and references

(73) Measures for expediting the hearing of criminal appeals will have to be mostly administrative. However, on certain matters, amendment is needed.1

(74) A court dismissing a first appeal from conviction (whether it be the High Court or any lower court) should record a brief order, giving reasons for dismissal at the preliminary stage.2

(75) Single judges of High Courts should have power to dispose of all criminal appeals against convictions, except where a sentence of death or imprisonment for life has been passed3

(76) The orders against which revisions may be filed are of infinite variety. The jurisdiction of the Magistrate to award maintenance4 and the powers of the High Court to revise such orders, are assuming greater importance every day. Exercise of revisional jurisdiction in these proceedings has remedied serious injustice.5

1. Paras. 14.1 to 14.3.

2. Para. 14.5.

3. Para. 14.6.

4. Section 125, Cr. P.C., 1973.

5. Paras. 14.6 to 14.8.