Section 194 of BNSS : Section 194: Police to enquire and report on suicide, etc.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Rajesh, a 30-year-old man from Mumbai, is found dead in his apartment. The officer in charge of the local police station receives information that Rajesh might have committed suicide. As per Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, the officer immediately informs the nearest Executive Magistrate empowered to hold inquests. The officer, along with two respectable inhabitants of the neighborhood, proceeds to Rajesh's apartment, examines the body, and notes the presence of any wounds, fractures, or other marks of injury. The officer draws up a report detailing these findings and forwards it to the District Magistrate within twenty-four hours.

Example 2:

Priya, a young woman who had been married for five years, is found dead under suspicious circumstances in her home in Delhi. The officer in charge of the local police station is informed of her death, which raises reasonable suspicion of an offence being committed by someone. Following Section 194, the officer informs the nearest Executive Magistrate and proceeds to the scene with two respectable neighbors. They document any visible injuries and draw up a report. Considering the death occurred within seven years of Priya's marriage, the officer forwards her body to the nearest Civil Surgeon for a thorough medical examination to determine the cause of death. The officer sends the signed report to the District Magistrate within twenty-four hours.

Example 3:

Sunita, a woman who had been married for six years, dies in an accident involving machinery at her workplace in Bangalore. The local police officer, upon receiving the information, informs the nearest Executive Magistrate and proceeds to the accident site with two respectable individuals from the area. They observe and record any marks of injury on Sunita's body, particularly those caused by the machinery. A detailed report is drawn up, signed by the officer and the witnesses, and sent to the Sub-divisional Magistrate within twenty-four hours. Given the circumstances and the timeframe of her marriage, her body is also sent to a Civil Surgeon for further examination to rule out any foul play.

Example 4:

Arjun, a man from a small village in Rajasthan, is found dead in a field with injuries that suggest an attack by an animal. The police officer receiving this information follows Section 194 by informing the Executive Magistrate and visiting the location with two local residents. They inspect Arjun's body, noting injuries consistent with an animal attack, and prepare a report on the apparent cause of death. The report, signed by the officer and witnesses, is forwarded to the District Magistrate within twenty-four hours. Considering there is no reasonable suspicion of a crime, the body is not sent for further medical examination.

Example 5:

Meera, a woman who had been married for three years, is found dead in her home under circumstances that suggest foul play. Her parents, suspecting that she was murdered, request a thorough investigation. The police officer, adhering to Section 194, informs the nearest Executive Magistrate and proceeds to Meera's home with two respectable locals. They document any signs of injury and prepare a detailed report. Due to the suspicious nature of her death and the family's request, Meera's body is sent to a qualified medical professional for a detailed examination. The report is signed and forwarded to the Sub-divisional Magistrate within twenty-four hours.

Example 6:

Vikram, a factory worker, dies in a workplace accident involving heavy machinery in Chennai. The officer in charge of the police station receives this information and informs the nearest Executive Magistrate. Accompanied by two respected members of the community, the officer inspects the scene and Vikram's body, noting injuries caused by the machinery. A report is prepared and signed, then forwarded to the District Magistrate within twenty-four hours. Since Vikram's death was due to an accident and there is no suspicion of foul play, the body is not sent for further medical examination.