Section 157 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
🔹 Section 157 – Police Investigation of Cognizable Offences
🧾 What does Section 157 say?
Section 157 describes the procedure police must follow when they receive information about a cognizable offence (a serious offence where police can start investigation without magistrate's permission).
⚖️ Key Points:
Filing of FIR or Information:
When the police receive information about a cognizable offence, they must register a First Information Report (FIR) or record the information properly.
Starting Investigation:
After registering the FIR, police must start investigation immediately.
Submission of Report:
Police are required to send a report of the investigation to the Magistrate within a specified time (usually 30 days).
If the Investigation is Not Complete:
If police cannot complete the investigation within that time, they must inform the Magistrate with reasons and seek permission for extension.
🔍 Purpose of Section 157:
To ensure prompt action by police when serious offences are reported.
To maintain accountability and monitoring of police investigations by the Magistrate.
To prevent delays in investigation of serious crimes.
⚙️ Step-by-step process under Section 157:
Complaint or information received by police about a cognizable offence.
Police register FIR or record information.
Police begin investigation immediately.
Police submit investigation report to Magistrate within 30 days.
If more time is needed, police must seek Magistrate's permission with reasons.
Magistrate supervises investigation progress.
📌 Additional Notes:
This section applies only to cognizable offences (serious crimes).
The time limit (30 days) ensures that investigations are not unduly delayed.
Magistrate plays an important role in monitoring police work.
📝 Summary Table:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police receive information about cognizable offence. |
| 2 | Police register FIR or record information. |
| 3 | Investigation begins immediately. |
| 4 | Police submit report to Magistrate within 30 days. |
| 5 | If incomplete, police request extension with reasons. |
| 6 | Magistrate supervises the investigation. |
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