Section 174 of CrPC : Section 174: Police To Enquire And Report On Suicide, Etc

Explanation using Example

Imagine a situation where a man is found dead in his home under mysterious circumstances. Neighbors suspect foul play as they heard arguments the previous night. The local police are notified, and the officer in charge, under Section 174(1) of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, informs the nearest Executive Magistrate about the death. The police officer, along with two local residents as witnesses, examines the body at the scene. They note a wound on the head that could suggest a blow from a blunt object.

Following the procedure, the officer creates a report detailing the injuries and signs of the suspected cause of death, which is then co-signed by the witnesses. This report is promptly sent to the District Magistrate as per Section 174(2).

Since the death is suspicious, and there is a possibility that it was not an accident but a crime, the officer decides under Section 174(3)(iv) to send the body for a post-mortem examination by the nearest Civil Surgeon to determine the exact cause of death.

The Executive Magistrate, empowered under Section 174(4), will then conduct an inquest to investigate the death further.