Introduction, Scope & Nature of CrPC

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CrPC) is the principal procedural law governing criminal matters in Pakistan.

• Enactment/Enforcement: Passed on 22nd March 1898; enforced from 1st July 1898.
• Nature: Mainly (though not purely) an adjective/procedural law — but it also contains certain provisions that are partly in the nature of substantive law (Reference: PLD 2002 Cent. St. 1953).
• Flexibility: CrPC is not unduly rigid; it makes room for any special law & procedure and generally gives precedence to such special law and procedure (Section 1).
• Relation to PPC: All offences under the Pakistan Penal Code shall be investigated, inquired into, and tried according to the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Section 5 deals with the trial of offences under other laws as well as trial of offences under the PPC (Both are covered).