Plea bargaining in India is governed by the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) under Chapter XXI-A (Sections 265A to 265L). Plea bargaining is a process where the accused and the prosecution mutually agree to a bargain, where the accused pleads guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence or charges. Here are the key legal provisions for plea bargaining in India: Sections 265A to 265L of CrPC: These sections were introduced through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005, and provide the legal framework for plea bargaining in India. Eligibility Criteria: Not all cases are eligible for plea bargaining. Certain offenses, such as those punishable with the death penalty or life imprisonment, and offenses against women and children, are generally excluded from the plea bargaining process. Application for Plea Bargaining (Section 265B): The accused can file an application for plea bargaining before the court at any stage of the trial, but before the court has pronounced the judgment. Consideration of Application (Section 265C): Upon receiving the application, the court examines whether the accused is willing to plead guilty and is eligible for plea bargaining. The court may then issue a notice to the prosecutor and the victim for their views on the proposed plea. Negotiation between Accused and Prosecutor (Section 265D): If the court is satisfied that the accused is willing to plead guilty, it provides an opportunity for negotiation between the accused and the prosecutor to work out mutually acceptable terms for the plea bargain. Recording of Plea (Section 265E): Once the terms of the plea bargain are agreed upon, the court records the statement of the accused and the plea of guilty. The court may then pass an order for the accused to undergo the specified punishment, which should be less than the maximum punishment for the offense. Withdrawal of Plea (Section 265F): The accused has the right to withdraw the plea at any time before the court pronounces the sentence. If the plea is withdrawn, the trial continues as if the plea bargaining process had not occurred. Sentencing (Section 265G): If the court is satisfied with the plea and the negotiated terms, it proceeds to pass the sentence accordingly. The sentence should be consistent with the terms of the plea bargain. Finality of the Plea (Section 265H): Once the sentence is pronounced, it becomes final, and the accused cannot appeal against it except on the grounds of manifest injustice. Rejection of Plea (Section 265I): If the court does not accept the plea, the trial continues as usual. Confidentiality (Section 265J): The statements and records of the plea bargaining process are confidential and cannot be used against the accused in any subsequent trial. Expeditious Proceedings (Section 265K): The CrPC emphasizes expeditious disposal of cases involving plea bargaining. Plea bargaining is aimed at reducing the burden on the judicial system, promoting speedy trials, and providing an opportunity for offenders to reform. However, it's important to note that not all cases are eligible, and the decision to enter into a plea bargain should be made after careful consideration and legal advice.