Police officer’s power to investigate cognizable case.
What this section does
An officer in charge of a police station may investigate any cognizable case within his jurisdiction without a Magistrate's order, though the Superintendent of Police may direct a Deputy Superintendent to investigate based on the nature and gravity of the offence. No investigation proceeding can be challenged solely on the ground that the officer lacked power to investigate. A Magistrate empowered under section 210 may order investigation on an affidavit-supported application, and may also order investigation against a public servant after receiving a superior's report and the public servant's own assertions.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Procedure at a glance
- Key actors
- Officer in charge of police station · Superintendent of Police · Deputy Superintendent of Police · Magistrate · Public servant
- Time limit
- None specified
- CRPC Section 156 — Police officer's power to investigate cognizable cases
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNSS Section 175, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNSS Section 175 forms part of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.