CrPC Section 157

CrPC Section 157 governs the initial steps a police officer must take upon receiving information about a cognizable offence. It mandates the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and outlines the process for beginning an investigation. Understanding this section is crucial for citizens and law enforcement to ensure proper initiation of criminal proceedings.

This section plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by formalizing the complaint process and empowering police to act promptly. It protects citizens by ensuring their complaints are officially recorded and investigated, preventing arbitrary denial of police action.

CrPC Section 157 – Exact Provision

This section requires the police to formally document any information received about a cognizable offence. The officer must write down the details, read them to the informant for confirmation, and if the offence is cognizable, register an FIR. This triggers the police investigation process, either by the officer or a subordinate. It ensures transparency and accountability in the initial phase of criminal proceedings.

• Mandates writing and reading information to informant.

• Requires FIR registration for cognizable offences.

• Empowers police to start or assign investigation.

• Ensures formal documentation of complaints.

• Protects informant’s rights to have complaint recorded.

Explanation of CrPC Section 157

Section 157 means when police receive information about a serious crime, they must write it down and register an FIR if it qualifies as a cognizable offence. This starts the investigation process officially.

• Police must record the complaint in writing.

• Applies when information suggests a cognizable offence.

• Officer reads the written information back to the informant.

• Police must register an FIR if offence is cognizable.

• Investigation begins immediately or is assigned to a subordinate.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 157

This section exists to ensure that complaints about serious crimes are formally recorded and investigated without delay. It protects citizens by preventing police from ignoring or dismissing reports. It also provides a clear procedure to start criminal investigations, maintaining law and order effectively.

• Protects citizens’ right to have complaints recorded.

• Ensures prompt police action on serious offences.

• Balances police authority with accountability.

• Prevents arbitrary refusal to investigate.

When CrPC Section 157 Applies

Section 157 applies whenever information about a cognizable offence is received by the police. The officer in charge must act by registering an FIR and starting investigation without delay.

• Information must disclose a cognizable offence.

• Officer in charge of police station has authority.

• Applicable at police station level.

• No time limit to register FIR once information is received.

• Exceptions may apply for non-cognizable offences.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 157

Cognizance is taken by the police officer in charge upon receiving information about a cognizable offence. The officer records the information, reads it to the informant, and registers an FIR. This formal step initiates the investigation process.

• Officer records information in writing.

• Reads information to informant for confirmation.

• Registers FIR if offence is cognizable.

Bailability under CrPC Section 157

Section 157 itself does not specify bailability. Bailability depends on the nature of the offence reported in the FIR. Generally, cognizable offences can be bailable or non-bailable based on the specific crime.

• Bail conditions depend on the offence under investigation.

• Police can arrest based on FIR and offence nature.

• Courts decide bail during trial or investigation.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 157)

The courts that try cases under Section 157 depend on the offence reported. Generally, cognizable offences are triable by Magistrate or Sessions Courts based on severity.

• Magistrate courts handle less serious cognizable offences.

• Sessions courts try serious offences.

• Trial jurisdiction depends on offence classification.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 157

Appeals or revisions related to FIR registration or investigation under Section 157 can be made to higher courts. Complainants or accused can approach Magistrate or Sessions Courts, and further appeal to High Courts or Supreme Court.

• Appeal to Magistrate against police inaction.

• Revision petitions to High Court.

• Timelines depend on case specifics.

Example of CrPC Section 157 in Practical Use

Person X reports to the police station that their vehicle was stolen. The officer in charge writes down the complaint, reads it to X, and registers an FIR under Section 157. The police then begin investigation immediately, tracking leads and collecting evidence.

• Section 157 ensured FIR registration and investigation start.

• Key takeaway: Formal complaint triggers police action.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 157

Section 157 has been part of the CrPC since its early codification, reflecting the importance of formal complaint registration. Amendments have clarified procedures and reinforced police accountability in FIR registration.

• Original provision for FIR registration in 1898 CrPC.

• Amendments improved informant rights and police duties.

• Modern updates emphasize transparency and prompt action.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 157

In 2026, Section 157 remains vital for ensuring police accountability and prompt investigation. With digital FIR systems, the section supports transparency and citizen empowerment in reporting crimes.

• Supports online FIR registration initiatives.

• Ensures police cannot ignore serious complaints.

• Balances technology use with legal safeguards.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 157

• Section 154 – Information in cognizable cases

• Section 156 – Police investigation without Magistrate order

• Section 158 – Police report to Magistrate

• Section 160 – Police examination of witnesses

• Section 173 – Report of police officer on completion of investigation

Case References under CrPC Section 157

1. State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal (1992, AIR 604)

   – Police must register FIR if information discloses cognizable offence; refusal is illegal.

2. Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP (2013, AIR 1515)

   – Mandatory FIR registration on receiving information of cognizable offence.

3. Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014, AIR 1918)

   – Police must follow procedure before arrest; FIR registration is crucial step.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 157

• Section:

  157

• Title:

  FIR Registration & Investigation

• Nature:

  Procedural

• Applies To:

  Police officer, informant

• Cognizance:

  Taken by police upon receiving information

• Bailability:

  Depends on offence

• Triable By:

  Magistrate or Sessions Court

Conclusion on CrPC Section 157

CrPC Section 157 is a foundational provision ensuring that any information about a cognizable offence is formally recorded and investigated by the police. It safeguards citizens’ rights by mandating FIR registration, which is the first step in the criminal justice process.

This section promotes transparency and accountability in law enforcement. By requiring police to act promptly and document complaints, it prevents arbitrary denial of justice and strengthens public trust in the legal system.

FAQs on CrPC Section 157

What is the main purpose of CrPC Section 157?

Its main purpose is to ensure police register an FIR and start investigation when informed about a cognizable offence, protecting citizens' rights and initiating criminal proceedings.

Who can give information under Section 157?

Any person who has knowledge of a cognizable offence can provide information to the police, prompting FIR registration and investigation.

Does Section 157 apply to non-cognizable offences?

No, Section 157 specifically applies to cognizable offences where police have authority to investigate without Magistrate's order.

Can police refuse to register an FIR under Section 157?

No, if the information discloses a cognizable offence, police must register an FIR and cannot refuse arbitrarily.

What happens after FIR registration under Section 157?

After FIR registration, police begin investigation or assign it to a subordinate officer to collect evidence and proceed with the case.