(1) The Court of a Chief Judicial Magistrate may pass any sentence authorised by law except a sentence of death or of imprisonment for life or of imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years.
(2) The Court of a Magistrate of the first class may pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term not
1. Ins. by Act 5 of 2009, s. 4 (w.e.f. 31-12-2009).
2. Subs. by Act 13 of 2013, s. 11, for “offence under section 376 and sections 376A to 376D of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)” (w.e.f. 3-2-2013).
3. Subs. by Act 22 of 2019, s. 10, for “section 376A, section 376B, section 376C, section 376D” (w.e.f. 21-4-2018).
37 exceeding three years, or of fine not exceeding 1 [ten thousand rupees], or of both.
(3) The Court of Magistrate of the second class may pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or of fine not exceeding 2 [five thousand rupees], or of both.
(4) The Court of a Chief Metropolitan Magistrate shall have the powers of the Court of a Chief Judicial Magistrate and that of a Metropolitan Magistrate, the powers of the Court of a Magistrate of the first class.