(Stage-wise | Section-wise | Strategy-wise)

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CORE PRINCIPLE (Very Important)

You do NOT argue randomly in a criminal case.
Arguments are made ONLY at legally permitted stages.
Wrong timing = weak defence.

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STAGE-WISE ARGUMENTS IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL

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1. At the Stage of FIR / Investigation

❌ No detailed arguments

✅ Limited submissions only

Sections

• Section 41 CrPC / 35 BNSS – Arrest
• Section 41A CrPC / 35(3) BNSS – Notice of appearance
• Section 482 CrPC / 528 BNSS – Quashing (HC)

What to argue?

• No cognizable offence
• Civil dispute given criminal colour
• Abuse of process

Example

FIR alleges cheating, but dispute is contractual → move quashing, not trial argument.

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2. At the Time of Bail

✅ FULL ARGUMENTS ALLOWED

Sections

• 437 CrPC / 480 BNSS – Magistrate bail
• 438 CrPC / 482 BNSS – Anticipatory bail
• 439 CrPC / 483 BNSS – Sessions / HC bail

What to argue?

• False implication
• No recovery pending
• Custodial interrogation not required
• Clean antecedents

Example

“Investigation is complete, charge-sheet filed, hence no purpose of further custody.”

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3. At the Stage of Cognizance

❌ No defence arguments on merits

Sections

• Section 190 CrPC / 210 BNSS

What CAN be argued?

• Lack of sanction
• Bar of limitation
• Jurisdiction issue

🚫 Cannot argue innocence here

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4. At the Stage of Discharge ⭐ (VERY IMPORTANT)

✅ MOST CRUCIAL ARGUMENT STAGE

Sections

• 239 CrPC / 262 BNSS – Warrant case (Police report)
• 227 CrPC / 250 BNSS – Sessions case

What to argue?

• No prima facie case
• Ingredients of offence missing
• Entire case based on suspicion
• Documentary defence

Example (376 case)

“Relationship admitted, consensual, no false promise at inception → no offence made out.”

Strong discharge = case ends early

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5. At the Stage of Framing of Charge

✅ LIMITED ARGUMENTS

Sections

• 240 CrPC / 263 BNSS
• 228 CrPC / 251 BNSS

Scope

• Whether charge is groundless
• Whether offence made out on record

🚫 No cross-examination or deep analysis

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6. During Prosecution Evidence

❌ No final arguments

✅ Objections + Cross-examination

Sections

• 231 CrPC / 254 BNSS

What to do?

• Break prosecution story
• Expose contradictions
• Mark contradictions u/s 145 Evidence Act

Example

Victim says incident at 8 PM, PCR call shows 11 PM → credibility shaken.

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7. At Statement of Accused

❌ No arguments

Section

• 313 CrPC / 356 BNSS

Accused explains circumstances
Silence cannot be used against accused

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8. At Defence Evidence (Optional)

❌ No arguments yet

Sections

• 233 CrPC / 256 BNSS

Defence proves alibi, chats, documents

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9. FINAL ARGUMENTS ⭐⭐⭐

✅ MOST DETAILED & DECISIVE STAGE

Sections

• 314 CrPC / 337 BNSS

What to argue?

• Entire evidence appreciation
• Contradictions
• Benefit of doubt
• Failure of prosecution
• Law + facts + precedents

Example (376 IPC)

“Medical report negative, delay unexplained, WhatsApp chats show voluntary relationship — prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

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10. Written Submissions

📌 Section

• 314(2) CrPC / 337 BNSS

✔️ Helpful in complex cases
✔️ Mandatory in many Delhi courts

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QUICK MEMORY TABLE

Stage	Argue?	Purpose
FIR stage	❌	Only quashing
Bail	✅	Liberty
Cognizance	❌	Technical only
Discharge	✅⭐	Case end
Charge	⚠️ Limited	Prima facie
Evidence	❌	Only cross
313	❌	Explanation
Defence	❌	Proof
Final arguments	✅⭐⭐⭐	Acquittal

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GOLDEN RULE (Court Wisdom)

Argue law at discharge,
facts during trial,
and law + facts together at final arguments.

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One-Line Court-Ready Submission

“At this stage, this Hon’ble Court is only required to see whether the essential ingredients of the alleged offence are made out, which are completely absent in the present case.”

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FINAL TAKEAWAY

• Wrong stage = wasted argument
• Discharge & Final arguments decide fate
• Cross-examination builds final arguments