Section 173 of CrPC : Section 173: Report Of Police Officer On Completion Of Investigation

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a woman reports a case of sexual assault to the local police station. The police begin an investigation as per the guidelines laid out in The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Under Section 173(1), the police are expected to complete the investigation promptly without unnecessary delays. In this case, they quickly gather evidence, interview witnesses, and compile a list of suspects.

Once the investigation is complete, as per Section 173(2), the officer in charge of the police station prepares a detailed report. This report includes the names of the parties involved, the nature of the information received, and the names of potential witnesses. It also states whether an offence appears to have been committed, if the accused has been arrested, and if they have been released on bond.

Since the offence is one of sexual assault, which falls under sections 376 and its subsections, the report also includes the medical examination report of the victim as required by Section 173(2)(h).

This report is then forwarded to the magistrate empowered to take cognizance of the offence. Additionally, as per Section 173(5), all relevant documents and statements recorded during the investigation are sent to the magistrate, except for any parts the investigating officer deems irrelevant or not in the public interest to disclose, as stated in Section 173(6).

The magistrate, upon receiving the report and considering the evidence, will decide the next legal steps, including whether to discharge the accused's bond as per Section 173(4).

If new evidence surfaces, the police may conduct further investigation and submit additional reports to the magistrate, as allowed by Section 173(8).