Section 8 of CrPC : Section 8: Metropolitan areas.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: Declaration of a New Metropolitan Area

Situation: The population of the city of Pune has recently exceeded one million according to the latest census data. The State Government of Maharashtra decides to declare Pune as a metropolitan area.

Action: The State Government issues a notification stating that, effective from January 1, 2024, Pune will be considered a metropolitan area for the purposes of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Impact: From January 1, 2024, Pune will have the legal status of a metropolitan area. This means that the criminal courts and offices in Pune will operate under the specific provisions applicable to metropolitan areas as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Example 2:

Scenario: Reduction of a Metropolitan Area

Situation: The population of the city of Surat has decreased to 900,000 due to migration and other factors. The State Government of Gujarat decides to reduce the limits of the metropolitan area of Surat.

Action: The State Government issues a notification on March 1, 2024, stating that the limits of the metropolitan area of Surat will be reduced, effective from April 1, 2024.

Impact: From April 1, 2024, Surat will no longer be considered a metropolitan area. However, any criminal inquiries, trials, or appeals that were pending before this date will continue to be dealt with under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, as if the reduction had not taken place.

Example 3:

Scenario: Division of a Metropolitan Area in Delhi

Situation: The National Capital Territory of Delhi has a population exceeding 20 million. The State Government decides to divide Delhi into two metropolitan areas for better administrative efficiency.

Action: The State Government issues a notification on June 1, 2024, dividing Delhi into two metropolitan areas: North Delhi and South Delhi, each with a population exceeding one million.

Impact: From June 1, 2024, North Delhi and South Delhi will be treated as separate metropolitan areas. The High Court of Delhi may issue directions regarding the disposal of any pending proceedings before the division to ensure a smooth transition.

Example 4:

Scenario: Population Drop Below One Million

Situation: The population of the city of Patna falls below one million due to a natural disaster. The State Government of Bihar decides to cease Patna's status as a metropolitan area.

Action: The State Government issues a notification on September 1, 2024, stating that Patna will cease to be a metropolitan area effective from October 1, 2024.

Impact: From October 1, 2024, Patna will no longer be considered a metropolitan area. However, any ongoing criminal inquiries, trials, or appeals will continue to be handled under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, as if the change in status had not occurred.