CrPC Section 136

CrPC Section 136 governs the lawful seizure of property by police officers during investigations or searches. It ensures that any property seized is properly documented and handled to maintain legal integrity and protect citizens' rights. Understanding this section helps individuals know their rights when property is taken by authorities.

This section plays a crucial role in criminal investigations by allowing police to seize evidence or items connected to offences. It also sets procedural safeguards to prevent misuse of power and unlawful confiscation, maintaining a balance between effective law enforcement and personal liberty.

CrPC Section 136 – Exact Provision

This provision mandates that whenever police seize property, they must issue a detailed receipt to the person from whom the property is taken. This receipt serves as proof of seizure and includes specifics about the property and the circumstances. It protects individuals by ensuring transparency and accountability in the seizure process.

• Police must give a receipt upon seizure of property.

• Receipt must describe the property and seizure details.

• Person seized from can obtain a copy of the receipt.

• Ensures transparency and accountability in seizures.

Explanation of CrPC Section 136

This section simply requires police to provide a receipt when they take any property during investigation or search. It protects individuals by documenting what was seized and when.

• The section mandates issuing a receipt for seized property.

• Affects police officers and the person whose property is seized.

• Triggered when property is taken during investigation or search.

• Police must describe the property and seizure details in the receipt.

• Failure to issue receipt can invalidate seizure or cause legal issues.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 136

The section exists to ensure that property seizures are transparent and accountable. It prevents arbitrary confiscation and protects citizens’ rights by requiring documentation of seized items. This helps maintain trust in law enforcement and safeguards against misuse of power.

• Protects individual property rights during police action.

• Ensures proper procedure and record-keeping.

• Balances police powers with citizen protections.

• Prevents abuse or unlawful seizure of property.

When CrPC Section 136 Applies

This section applies whenever police seize property during an investigation, search, or arrest. It is relevant in both cognizable and non-cognizable cases involving physical evidence or items connected to offences.

• Applies on seizure of any property by police under CrPC.

• Police officers have authority to seize property under lawful conditions.

• Receipts must be issued immediately upon seizure.

• Applies across all jurisdictions in India.

• No exceptions to issuing receipt when property is seized.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 136

Cognizance under this section is not about initiating a case but about procedural compliance during seizure. Police must record the seizure and issue a receipt, which becomes part of the investigation record. Magistrates may review seizure details during trial or inquiry.

• Police take cognizance by seizing property lawfully.

• Receipt issuance is a procedural step confirming seizure.

• Magistrates oversee seizure legality during case proceedings.

Bailability under CrPC Section 136

Section 136 itself does not deal with offences or bailability. However, property seized under this section may relate to bailable or non-bailable offences. The section ensures lawful seizure but does not affect bail rights of accused persons.

• Section does not define bailability.

• Bail depends on the offence connected to seized property.

• Seizure procedure must be followed regardless of bail status.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 136)

Issues related to property seizure under Section 136 are generally handled by the Magistrate’s court as part of the criminal case investigation. The court reviews seizure legality during trial or pre-trial hearings.

• Magistrate courts oversee seizure-related matters.

• Seizure receipts form part of investigation records.

• Trial courts consider seizure validity during evidence evaluation.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 136

Appeals related to seizure issues can be made to higher courts if seizure is challenged. Revision petitions may be filed against seizure orders or magistrate decisions. The appellate courts ensure seizure was lawful and proper procedure was followed.

• Appeals lie with Sessions or High Courts depending on case.

• Revision petitions can challenge seizure legality.

• Timelines depend on case type and court rules.

Example of CrPC Section 136 in Practical Use

Person X is suspected of possessing stolen goods. During a lawful search, police seize a box of items from X’s home. They immediately issue a receipt describing the items and the date of seizure to X. This receipt protects X’s rights and provides evidence of lawful seizure for the investigation.

• Section ensured lawful seizure and documentation.

• Key takeaway: transparency protects both police and citizens.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 136

Section 136 has been part of the CrPC to formalize seizure procedures and prevent arbitrary confiscation. Over time, amendments have clarified receipt requirements and strengthened safeguards against misuse.

• Originally included to regulate seizure process.

• Amendments enhanced documentation and accountability.

• Reflects evolving emphasis on citizen rights in criminal law.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 136

In 2026, Section 136 remains vital for ensuring transparent police investigations. With increasing digital and physical evidence seizures, proper documentation is crucial to uphold legal standards and protect privacy and property rights.

• Supports lawful evidence collection in modern policing.

• Prevents unlawful seizures in digital and physical contexts.

• Enhances trust between police and public through accountability.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 136

• Section 102 – Search and seizure of property

• Section 165 – Search by police officer

• Section 451 – Custody of property pending trial

• Section 457 – Disposal of property seized

• Section 100 – Search of place

Case References under CrPC Section 136

1. State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh (1999, AIR 1999 SC 2378)

   – Police must issue proper receipt for seized property to ensure legal validity.

2. K.K. Verma v. Union of India (1965, AIR 1965 SC 722)

   – Seizure without receipt can be challenged as illegal and arbitrary.

3. Rameshwar Prasad v. State of Bihar (2006, AIR 2006 SC 2522)

   – Proper documentation of seized property is essential for fair trial.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 136

• Section:

  136

• Title:

  Seizure of Property Procedure

• Nature:

  Procedural

• Applies To:

  Police, person from whom property is seized

• Cognizance:

  Taken by police at time of seizure with receipt issuance

• Bailability:

  Not applicable

• Triable By:

  Magistrate Court

Conclusion on CrPC Section 136

CrPC Section 136 is fundamental in safeguarding citizens’ property rights during police investigations. By mandating a receipt for seized property, it ensures transparency and accountability, preventing arbitrary or unlawful confiscation. This procedural safeguard builds trust between the public and law enforcement agencies.

Understanding this section empowers individuals to demand proper documentation when their property is seized. It also guides police officers to follow lawful procedures, thereby upholding justice and protecting constitutional rights during criminal investigations.

FAQs on CrPC Section 136

What must police do when they seize property under Section 136?

Police must issue a receipt describing the seized property, including date and place of seizure, to the person from whom it was taken. The person can also get a copy of this receipt.

Why is the receipt important under Section 136?

The receipt serves as proof of lawful seizure and protects citizens from arbitrary confiscation. It ensures transparency and accountability in police investigations.

Does Section 136 apply to all types of property seizures?

Yes, it applies whenever police seize any property during investigation or search under the CrPC, regardless of the property type.

Can a person refuse to accept the receipt for seized property?

No, the police must issue the receipt regardless of acceptance. It is a mandatory legal requirement to document the seizure.

What happens if police do not issue a receipt under Section 136?

Failure to issue a receipt can make the seizure illegal and subject to challenge in court, potentially leading to exclusion of seized property as evidence.