Section 162 of CrPC : Section 162: Statements to police not to be signed : Use of statements in evidence.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi is a shopkeeper in Mumbai. One day, his shop is robbed, and he reports the incident to the police. During the investigation, Ravi gives a detailed statement to the police officer about the robbery. The police officer writes down Ravi's statement, but Ravi does not sign it. Later, during the trial of the accused robbers, the defense lawyer wants to use Ravi's statement to the police to show inconsistencies in his testimony. According to Section 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Ravi's unsigned statement to the police cannot be used as evidence in the trial. However, if Ravi is called as a witness, the defense can use parts of his statement to contradict him, provided it is duly proved and with the court's permission.

Example 2:

Priya witnesses a hit-and-run accident in Delhi and reports it to the police. She gives a statement to the investigating officer, who records it in writing. Priya does not sign the statement. During the trial of the accused driver, the prosecution wants to use Priya's statement to support their case. According to Section 162, the prosecution cannot use Priya's unsigned statement as evidence. However, if Priya is called as a witness, the defense can use her statement to contradict her testimony if necessary, and the prosecution can use it with the court's permission to clarify any contradictions during re-examination.