IPC Section 22
π Text of Section 22 IPC:
β'Judge' includes any person legally appointed to act judicially alone or as one of the members of a judicial tribunal.β
β Detailed Explanation:
1. Meaning of "Judge" under IPC:
The word "Judge" as used in the Indian Penal Code does not strictly mean a High Court or Supreme Court Judge only.
Instead, Section 22 broadens the definition to include any person who is legally appointed to act judiciallyβwhether acting alone or as part of a panel (tribunal).
2. Who Does This Include?
Judges of all levels in the judiciary: from District Judges, Sessions Judges, Magistrates, to High Court and Supreme Court judges.
Members of tribunals or judicial bodies set up by law, such as administrative tribunals, consumer courts, or other judicial bodies.
It also includes any official with judicial powers who is legally authorized to decide matters judicially.
π§ Why This Section Is Important:
It helps avoid ambiguity in the law by making clear who is considered a "judge."
Ensures criminal offenses related to judges (like contempt of court, bribery, or obstruction of justice) apply to all judicial officers, not just traditional judges.
Helps in interpreting other IPC sections that mention "judge"βso these apply broadly to all judicial officers.
βοΈ Legal Implications:
When an IPC section refers to an offense against a "judge," Section 22 clarifies that the offense applies equally whether the judge is acting alone or as part of a judicial body.
It also means legal protections, powers, or punishments involving judges cover all judicial officers who perform judicial functions.
π Examples of Judicial Officers Included:
A Magistrate presiding over a criminal case.
A member of a tribunal deciding an administrative matter.
A consumer court judge passing orders in consumer disputes.
A special court judge appointed for specific offenses.
β Summary:
Section 22 IPC defines the term "judge" broadly to include any person legally appointed to perform judicial functions, whether alone or as part of a judicial panel. This definition ensures that all judicial officers are equally covered under IPC provisions that relate to judges.
RELATED Blog
0 comments