Examination of complainant.

What this section does

When a Magistrate takes cognizance of an offence on complaint, he must examine the complainant and present witnesses on oath, reduce the substance to writing, and have it signed by all parties including himself; the accused must be given an opportunity of being heard before cognizance is taken. Special procedural protections apply when the complaint is against a public servant for acts done in official discharge of duty, requiring the public servant's assertions and a superior officer's report before cognizance.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Procedure at a glance

Key actors

Magistrate · Complainant · Witnesses · Accused · Public servant · Superior officer

• CRPC Section 200 — Examination of complainant — private complaint