Section 159 of CrPC : Section 159: Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a resident of Mumbai, files a complaint at the local police station about a theft that occurred in his house. The police conduct a preliminary investigation and submit a report to the Magistrate. The Magistrate, upon reviewing the report, decides that further investigation is necessary. He directs the police to conduct a more detailed investigation into the theft. Alternatively, the Magistrate could have chosen to conduct a preliminary inquiry himself or assigned a subordinate Magistrate to do so.

Example 2:

Priya, a shop owner in Delhi, reports an incident of fraud to the police. The police conduct an initial inquiry and submit their findings to the Magistrate. The Magistrate, after examining the report, believes that the case can be resolved without a full investigation. He decides to hold a preliminary inquiry himself to gather more information and determine the next steps. If the Magistrate finds sufficient evidence during the preliminary inquiry, he may proceed with the case as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.