An Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) in India is a judicial officer appointed under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Santhita, 2023 (BNSS) and functions under the jurisdiction of a Sessions Court. Their powers and responsibilities include:
1. Criminal Jurisdiction:
- An Additional Sessions Judge can preside over sessions trials involving serious offenses such as murder, rape, dacoity, kidnapping, and other heinous crimes.
- They have the power to award any sentence, including the death penalty (subject to confirmation by the High Court under Section 407 BNSS).
- They hear criminal appeals and revisions from judgments passed by Magistrate courts.
2. Civil Jurisdiction:
- In some states, an ASJ may have civil jurisdiction to hear appeals from subordinate courts.
3. Appellate and Revisional Powers:
- Can hear criminal appeals from decisions of Magistrates.
- Can revise orders of Magistrates to ensure justice and legality.
4. Special Jurisdictions:
- May be designated as a Special Judge to hear cases under special laws like:
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
5. Power to Grant or Reject Bail:
- Has the power to grant or reject bail in serious offenses, including those triable by the Sessions Court.
6. Supervision and Administrative Functions:
- Helps the District & Sessions Judge in managing judicial work in the district.
Conclusion:
An Additional Sessions Judge is a powerful judicial officer with the authority to handle serious criminal cases, hear appeals, and ensure justice. However, they function under the overall supervision of the Sessions Judge in the district.
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