CrPC Section 354: Language & Contents of Judgment – Explained

1. State the Code

Section 354 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) deals with the language and contents of judgments in criminal cases.

2. Explain it

This section mandates that all judgments delivered by criminal courts in India must be:

• Written in clear and concise language, easily understandable by the accused and the public.
• Delivered in the language of the court, which is typically the local language of the region.
• Contain a brief statement of the reasons for the decision, outlining the facts found proved, the law applied, and the reasoning behind the judgment.
• Clearly state the conviction or acquittal of the accused, along with any punishment imposed or other orders passed.

3. Illustrate it

Imagine a case where a person is charged with theft. The court, after hearing evidence and arguments, finds the accused guilty. The judgment, as per Section 354, would be written in the local language, clearly stating the facts, the law applied (e.g., the Indian Penal Code), the reasoning for the conviction, and the punishment imposed (e.g., imprisonment for a specific duration).

4. Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can a judgment be delivered orally?
A: No, Section 354 mandates that all judgments must be in writing.

Q: What if the accused doesn’t understand the language of the judgment?
A: The court should ensure the judgment is translated into a language understood by the accused or provide an interpreter.

Q: Can a judgment be written in English?
A: While English is often used in legal proceedings, the final judgment must be translated into the language of the court as per Section 354.