Role of public prosecutor in the Indian legal system

Abstract

From the corridors of the Public Prosecutors’ offices across Europe to the bustling legal courtrooms of India, the role of the Public Prosecutor uniquely varies across jurisdictions shaping the contours of justice with each gavel strike. While the goal of gate keeping criminal justice stays common across the board – it is imperative to note how the Office of the Public Prosecutor changes shape with changing geographies. The role of Public Prosecutor is crucial for the administration of criminal justice. A crime is a public wrong, committed not only  against the victim, but also against the society. The Public Prosecutor in India represents the State to prosecute the accused. While discharging his various duties and functions, he must ensure that a fair trial is conducted. The Public Prosecutor also has to act impartially and independently, to assist the judge in delivering justice. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the role of Public Prosecutor in India, the legal framework, its challenges, and its prospects.