Section 18 of CrPC : Section 18: Special Metropolitan Magistrates

Explanation using Example

Imagine the government needs to expedite the judicial process in a metropolitan area with a high volume of cases. The Central or State Government requests the High Court to appoint a retired judge or a legal expert with significant experience to handle these cases. The High Court agrees and appoints this individual as a Special Metropolitan Magistrate, granting them the authority to preside over specific types of cases, such as traffic violations or petty thefts, to alleviate the burden on the regular courts.

In this scenario, the appointed Special Metropolitan Magistrate is given a term of one year, which can be extended if necessary. However, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, due to a state amendment, this term could be up to two years, and current Special Metropolitan Magistrates at the time of the amendment who are under the age of 65 may continue to serve for two years from their appointment date.

Additionally, if the government recognizes the need for such specialized services in areas outside the metropolitan jurisdiction, the High Court or State Government can empower the Special Metropolitan Magistrate to operate as a Judicial Magistrate of the first class in those areas, extending their jurisdiction and utility.