CrPC Section 160
🔹 Section 160 CrPC: Police Officer’s Power to Require Presence of Witnesses
🧾 Text (Paraphrased):
When a police officer is investigating a cognizable offense, they may require any person who appears to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case to attend at a police station.
The police officer can also require that person to bring any relevant documents or things connected to the case.
The police officer may also record the statement of that person.
However, the police officer cannot compel a person to appear more than once unless permitted by a Magistrate.
📝 What does Section 160 CrPC mean?
During the investigation of a cognizable offense, the police have the authority to call witnesses or other persons who might have information related to the case.
This is a pre-investigation power that helps the police collect facts early on.
The person summoned is expected to attend the police station and assist the investigation.
The police can also record their statements at this stage.
But the police cannot force the same person to appear repeatedly without Magistrate’s permission, preventing harassment.
⚖️ Key Points:
Applies only during investigation of cognizable offenses.
Police can call any person who appears to have relevant information.
Police can require persons to bring documents or things relevant to the case.
Police can record statements at the police station.
Cannot compel repeated attendance of the same person without Magistrate's permission.
This is not an arrest or detention power; it's about requiring attendance for investigation.
🔍 Why is Section 160 important?
It empowers police to efficiently investigate crimes by gathering information and evidence from witnesses.
It helps prevent delays in investigation by calling witnesses early.
Balances police power by limiting repeated summons of the same person.
Supports fair investigation procedures.
🔚 Summary:
Section 160 CrPC allows police officers to summon persons acquainted with facts of a cognizable offense for investigation purposes.
It is a tool for fact-finding and evidence gathering in the early stages of a criminal case.
At the same time, it ensures that the police cannot harass witnesses by repeated summons without court permission.
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