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.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1241 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

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