#magistrate jurisdiction

A Punjab-Haryana High Court judgment bars police from directing any further inquiry after a cancellation report unless a magistrate authorises it under Section 173(8) CrPC and Section 193(9) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. This limits police powers, ensuring judicial oversight of post-report investigations and protecting accused persons from unwarranted extensions of inquiry.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court affirmed that a Judicial Magistrate First Class may, under Section 176(1A) CrPC, conduct a complete inquiry into a custodial death, identify responsible officials and direct the police to register an FIR. This expands magistrate authority, enhancing accountability of law-enforcement agencies in custodial incidents.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ruled that a Magistrate cannot convert a conditional order under Section 133 CrPC - directing removal of tree branches - into an absolute order mandating tree removal without issuing a fresh notice and opportunity to be heard. This reinforces that procedural fairness under criminal procedure is not a formality but a constitutional imperative, protecting property rights against arbitrary state action.

Bombay High Court rules that setting aside a Magistrate's investigation order under Section 156(3) CrPC does not terminate the complaint proceedings. The Magistrate must reconsider the complaint afresh under Chapter XV CrPC, ensuring the complainant's right to a merits-based adjudication is preserved.

Karnataka High Court ruled that Indian courts lack statutory power under CrPC or BNSS to direct INTERPOL to issue Red Corner Notices, quashing a magistrate's order. The judgment reinforces that transnational law enforcement requests must follow prescribed legal channels, impacting extradition and cross-border criminal proceedings.

Kerala High Court quashes order under Section 138 CrPC for deciding civil easement rights without following mandatory evidence procedure under Section 137.

Jharkhand High Court clarifies that Section 145 CrPC proceedings are exclusively about possession, not ownership. Magistrates must not adjudicate title disputes.