The jurisdiction of a criminal court is determined by the offense and/or the offender. Chapter XIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure contains provisions relating to the jurisdiction of criminal courts in inquiries and trials, which can be summarized as follows: the offense should be inquired into and tried by a court within the local jurisdiction where it was committed. If there is uncertainty about the place of the offense, it may be tried by the court with jurisdiction over any of the possible local areas.
For offenses that were committed in different local areas, it may be tried by a court with jurisdiction over any of the local areas. Certain offenses, such as dacoity, may be tried by a court where the offense was committed or where the accused was found.
Offenses of kidnapping or theft may be tried by a court where the person was kidnapped or where the stolen property was possessed. Offenses that include cheating may be tried by a court where the letters or messages were sent or received. Some offenses relating to marriage may be tried by a court where the marriage was contracted or where the person resides.
Ayuub vs Directorate of Enforcement.Decided by the Supreme Court of India on Feb7, 2023.