Section 160 of CrPC : Section 160: Police officer's power to require attendance of witnesses.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: A robbery has taken place in a neighborhood in Mumbai. The police are investigating the case and need to gather information from potential witnesses.

Application of Section 160:

• Police Action: The investigating officer issues a written order to Mr. Sharma, a shopkeeper in the vicinity, requiring his attendance at the police station for questioning.
• Mr. Sharma's Obligation: Mr. Sharma, being within the limits of the police station's jurisdiction and appearing to have knowledge about the incident, is legally required to attend the police station as per the order.
• Special Consideration: If Mr. Sharma were above 65 years of age, the police would need to question him at his residence instead of requiring him to come to the police station.

Example 2:

Scenario: A hit-and-run accident occurs in a small town in Kerala. The police need to gather information from people who might have witnessed the accident.

Application of Section 160:

• Police Action: The investigating officer issues a written order to Ms. Priya, a local resident who was present near the accident scene, requiring her attendance at the police station for questioning.
• Ms. Priya's Obligation: Ms. Priya, being within the limits of the police station's jurisdiction and appearing to have knowledge about the accident, is legally required to attend the police station as per the order.
• Special Consideration: Since Ms. Priya is a woman, the police must question her at her residence unless she voluntarily agrees to come to the police station.

Example 3:

Scenario: A case of vandalism occurs in a village in Uttar Pradesh. The police need to gather information from potential witnesses.

Application of Section 160:

• Police Action: The investigating officer issues a written order to Mr. Ramesh, a 14-year-old boy who was playing near the site of the vandalism, requiring his attendance at the police station for questioning.
• Mr. Ramesh's Obligation: Since Mr. Ramesh is under 15 years of age, the police cannot require him to attend the police station. Instead, they must question him at his residence.
• Special Consideration: The police visit Mr. Ramesh's home to gather the necessary information, ensuring compliance with the legal provisions.

Example 4:

Scenario: A case of fraud is being investigated in a city in West Bengal. The police need to gather information from a person who might have relevant information.

Application of Section 160:

• Police Action: The investigating officer issues a written order to Mr. Gupta, a 70-year-old retired banker, requiring his attendance at the police station for questioning.
• Mr. Gupta's Obligation: Since Mr. Gupta is above 65 years of age, the police cannot require him to attend the police station. Instead, they must question him at his residence.
• Special Consideration: The police visit Mr. Gupta's home to gather the necessary information, ensuring compliance with the legal provisions.

Example 5:

Scenario: A case of domestic violence is being investigated in a city in Tamil Nadu. The police need to gather information from a neighbor who might have witnessed the incident.

Application of Section 160:

• Police Action: The investigating officer issues a written order to Ms. Lakshmi, a neighbor who might have witnessed the incident, requiring her attendance at the police station for questioning.
• Ms. Lakshmi's Obligation: Ms. Lakshmi, being within the limits of the police station's jurisdiction and appearing to have knowledge about the incident, is legally required to attend the police station as per the order.
• Special Consideration: Since Ms. Lakshmi is a woman, the police must question her at her residence unless she voluntarily agrees to come to the police station.