Examination of witnesses by police.
What this section does
A police officer investigating under this Chapter (or a prescribed-rank officer acting on requisition) may orally examine any person acquainted with the facts of the case; such person must answer all questions truthfully except those that would tend to expose him to criminal charge, penalty, or forfeiture. Statements may be reduced to writing (with a separate true record for each person) and may also be recorded by audio-video electronic means. Statements of women victims of specified sexual offences must be recorded by a woman police officer or woman officer.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Procedure at a glance
- Key actors
- Police officer · Witness · Woman police officer
- Time limit
- None specified
- CRPC Section 161 — Examination of witnesses by police
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNSS Section 180, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNSS Section 180 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.