Test: Plea Bargaining (CrPC Sections 265A–265L) - CLAT PG MCQ

The BNSS introduced significant changes, notably expanding the scope of plea bargaining to include certain compoundable offenses under special laws. This update reflects an effort to enhance the accessibility and applicability of plea bargaining, providing additional avenues for resolution in the criminal justice system while still maintaining essential safeguards for fairness and representation.

Plea bargaining is available for offenses punishable by imprisonment of up to 7 years. This eligibility criterion is designed to ensure that more serious offenses, such as those involving death penalties or crimes against vulnerable groups, are not dealt with through plea bargaining, maintaining the integrity of the judicial process for severe crimes.

Judicial oversight is a crucial safeguard that ensures plea bargaining is conducted fairly and without coercion. The court examines the circumstances under which the plea is made, requiring the accused to affirm that their plea is voluntary. This oversight aims to prevent any undue pressure or influence from external parties, ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the process.

One of the main benefits of plea bargaining is its ability to reduce judicial backlog and expedite case disposal. By allowing defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges rather than proceeding to trial, the courts can allocate resources more efficiently, leading to faster resolutions. This not only helps the judicial system but also provides quicker outcomes for victims seeking justice.

The primary purpose of plea bargaining is to permit the accused to negotiate a guilty plea in exchange for a lesser sentence or reduced charges. This process helps alleviate the burden on the judicial system by expediting case resolutions, ultimately reducing the backlog in courts. It aligns with the goal of achieving a swifter outcome for both the accused and the state, while also providing a means for victims to receive compensation in certain cases.

The primary purpose of plea bargaining is to allow the accused to negotiate a guilty plea for a lesser charge or reduced sentence. This mechanism is designed to alleviate the burden on the judicial system by expediting case resolutions and reducing the number of lengthy trials. It also provides an opportunity for the accused to receive a more favorable outcome than they might achieve through a full trial. Interestingly, plea bargaining can also contribute to restorative justice by facilitating compensation for victims, thus addressing some of the harm caused by the crime.

Plea bargaining is not applicable for offenses punishable by more than 7 years of imprisonment. It is specifically designed to deal with lesser offenses to facilitate quicker resolutions and reduce court backlogs. This limitation helps ensure that serious crimes, which may have significant societal implications, are prosecuted and adjudicated through traditional trial processes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the justice system.

One key safeguard in the plea bargaining process is that the plea must be made voluntarily without coercion or undue influence. This is critical to the integrity of the legal process, ensuring that the accused is making an informed decision free from pressure. The court examines the plea in a private session to confirm its voluntariness, which helps prevent abuses of the system. This safeguard is vital as it protects the rights of the accused while also upholding the principle of justice in plea negotiations.