BNSS Section 168 — Police to prevent cognizable offences

Summary

Every police officer has the authority to step in to stop a serious crime from happening, and must do everything they reasonably can to prevent it. This means they are required to act if they see a crime about to take place.

Official Text

Every police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing, and shall, to the best of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1241 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.424 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• CrPC §149 — Police to prevent cognizable offences