What is the difference between a warrant case and a summons case?

• A. Warrant cases involve minor offenses tried by Magistrate.
• B. Warrant cases are heard by Sessions Court; summons cases by Magistrate.
• C. Warrant cases involve offenses with possible death sentence; summons not.
• D. Warrant cases involve serious offenses tried by a Sessions Court; summons cases involve less serious offenses tried by a magistrate.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that cases are split based on how serious the offense is, which in turn determines which court handles the trial. Warrant cases are offenses punishable with death, or imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for more than two years. Because of this severity, they are tried by the Court of Sessions (Sessions Court). Summons cases involve offenses punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine, and these are tried by a Magistrate.

That’s why the statement describing warrant cases as serious offenses tried by a Sessions Court and summons cases as less serious offenses tried by a Magistrate best captures the difference. The other choices either misstate who handles the cases or focus only on one aspect without the full contrast.