Q1. Plea Bargaining.
- Plea bargaining is a negotiation between prosecution and accused for a guilty plea.
- Introduced in India via Cr.P.C. Chapter XXI-A (Sections 265A-265L), 2005.
- Applicable for offences with punishment up to seven years imprisonment.
- Aims for speedy disposal of cases, reduces judicial burden, ensures victim compensation.
Answer: Plea bargaining is a negotiated agreement between the prosecution and the accused, sanctioned by the court, wherein the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge or to one of several charges in exchange for a concession from the prosecution. This mechanism aims to resolve criminal cases without the need for a full trial, thereby saving judicial time and resources. It reflects a shift towards a more expeditious and reconciliatory approach in the criminal justice system. Introduced in India throug...