Special Judges as per Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

A Special Judge is a judge who is appointed to try cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA). Special Judges are appointed by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be.

Qualifications for appointment as a Special Judge

The following are the qualifications for appointment as a Special Judge:

  • The person must be a District Judge or an officer of the Indian Legal Service of the rank of Additional District Judge or above.
  • The person must have experience in dealing with criminal cases.
  • The person must be a person of integrity and impartiality.

Powers of a Special Judge

A Special Judge has the same powers as a Court of Session Judge. This means that a Special Judge can take cognizance of offences without the accused being committed to him for trial, and he can try cases on day-to-day basis.

MCQs on Special Judges

  1. Who can appoint a Special Judge?
    • The Central Government.
    • The State Government.
    • The High Court.
    • The Chief Justice of the High Court.

The correct answer is (a). The Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, can appoint a Special Judge.

  1. What are the qualifications for appointment as a Special Judge?
    • The person must be a District Judge.
    • The person must be an officer of the Indian Legal Service of the rank of Additional District Judge or above.
    • The person must have experience in dealing with criminal cases.
    • All of the above.

The correct answer is (d). All of the above are qualifications for appointment as a Special Judge.

  1. What are the powers of a Special Judge?
    • The Special Judge has the same powers as a Court of Session Judge.
    • The Special Judge can take cognizance of offences without the accused being committed to him for trial.
    • The Special Judge can try cases on day-to-day basis.
    • All of the above.

The correct answer is (d). All of the above are powers of a Special Judge.

Conclusion

Special Judges play an important role in the fight against corruption. They are specially appointed to try cases under the PCA, and they have the same powers as a Court of Session Judge. This ensures that cases of corruption are dealt with effectively and expeditiously.