BNSS Section 224 — Procedure by Magistrate not competent to take cognizance of case

Summary

If a complaint is filed with a Magistrate who does not have the legal authority to handle that type of case, the Magistrate must handle it in one of two ways. If the complaint is in writing, the Magistrate must return it to the person who filed it, along with a note saying it should be presented to the correct court. If the complaint is not in writing, the Magistrate must simply tell the complainant which court is the proper one to go to.

Official Text

If the complaint is made to a Magistrate who is not competent to take cognizance of the offence, he shall,—

(a) if the complaint is in writing, return it for presentation to the proper Court with an endorsement to that effect;

(b) if the complaint is not in writing, direct the complainant to the proper Court.

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 (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.2 p.1588 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• CrPC §201 — Procedure by Magistrate not competent to take cognizance of case