Procedure for investigation.

What this section does

Upon suspecting commission of an offence he is empowered to investigate, the officer in charge must forthwith send a report to the Magistrate and proceed (or depute a subordinate of prescribed rank) to the spot to investigate and, if necessary, arrest the offender. Exceptions exist where the accused is named and the case is not serious, or where there is no sufficient ground for investigation. For offences punishable with seven years or more, a forensic expert must visit the crime scene and the process must be videographed. Rape victim statements must be recorded at the victim's residence or chosen place, preferably by a woman officer in the presence of family or a social worker, and may be recorded through audio-video means.

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 · Subordinate police officer · Magistrate · Forensic expert · Woman police officer

Time limit

Forthwith (report to Magistrate and commencement of investigation); within 5 years from notified date (State Government to notify forensic expert requirement for 7+ year offences); fortnightly (daily diary report to Magistrate in non-investigation cases)

Derived from CrPC s.157.