BNSS Section 178 — Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry

Summary

When a magistrate receives a report under section 176, they can choose to order an investigation. Alternatively, if they think it is appropriate, they can immediately start a preliminary inquiry themselves or send a lower-ranking magistrate to do so. The magistrate may also handle the case in any other way that is allowed under this Sanhita.

Official Text

The Magistrate, on receiving a report under section 176, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Sanhita.

Sections referred to

• BNSS §176 — Procedure for investigation

Referred to by

• BNSS §33 — Public to give information of certain offences
• BNSS §129 — Security for good behaviour from habitual offenders

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• CrPC §159 — Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry