Chapter XXXVI
Section 483 CrPC: Duty of High Court to exercise continuous superintendence over Courts of Judicial Magistrates
New Law Update (2024)
Section 534 BNSS
TRIAL COURT
Punishment
Procedural / Administrative
Cognizable?
Bailable?
Compoundable?
Bare Act Text
Every High Court shall so exercise its superintendence over the Courts of Judicial Magistrates subordinate to it as to ensure that there is an expeditious and proper disposal of cases by such Magistrates.
Important Sub-Sections Explained
Landmark Judgements
Hussainara Khatoon v. Home Secretary, State of Bihar (1979):
This seminal case highlighted the constitutional right to speedy trial, emphasizing that prolonged detention of undertrial prisoners violates Article 21. While not directly referencing Section 483, it laid the foundation for judicial activism mandating expeditious disposal, a principle Section 483 aims to administratively uphold.
P. Ramachandra Rao v. State of Karnataka (2002):
The Supreme Court reiterated that the right to a speedy trial is an integral part of Article 21 and provided guidelines for trial courts to ensure expeditious disposal of cases, thereby reinforcing the High Courts’ supervisory duty under Section 483.
Bhoja Ram vs. The State of Rajasthan (2009):
The Rajasthan High Court clarified that the superintendence under Section 483 CrPC is primarily administrative in nature, aimed at ensuring the efficient and proper functioning of subordinate judicial magistrates’ courts for expeditious case disposal, and not for interfering with their judicial decisions.