CrPC Section 173

CrPC Section 173 governs the procedure for police officers to submit their investigation report to the Magistrate after completing an inquiry or investigation. This report, known as the charge sheet or final report, is essential for the Magistrate to decide whether to take cognizance of the offence and proceed with trial. Understanding this section helps citizens and legal professionals grasp how police investigations transition into formal court proceedings.

This section plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by ensuring transparency and accountability in police investigations. It mandates timely submission of the report, which contains evidence collected, statements recorded, and the officer's opinion on the case, thus facilitating fair judicial scrutiny and safeguarding accused rights.

CrPC Section 173 – Exact Provision

This section mandates that after investigating a case, the police must submit a detailed report to the Magistrate. The report includes evidence, witness statements, and the police officer's conclusions. If evidence is insufficient, a final report stating the same must be submitted. The Magistrate then reviews the report to decide on further legal action.

• Police must submit investigation report to Magistrate.

• Report includes evidence and officer's opinion.

• Insufficient evidence leads to a final report.

• Magistrate takes cognizance based on the report.

• Ensures procedural transparency post-investigation.

Explanation of CrPC Section 173

Simply put, this section requires police to send a full report to the Magistrate after completing their investigation. This report helps the court decide whether to start a trial or close the case.

• Police submit a detailed report after investigation.

• Affects police officers, Magistrates, and accused persons.

• Triggered when investigation concludes.

• Allows Magistrate to review evidence and decide next steps.

• Prohibits proceeding without police report submission.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 173

This section exists to ensure that police investigations are properly documented and submitted for judicial review. It protects accused persons by requiring evidence-based reports and prevents arbitrary or baseless prosecutions. It also maintains the procedural flow from investigation to trial.

• Protects accused rights through transparent reporting.

• Ensures Magistrate receives complete investigation details.

• Balances police powers with judicial oversight.

• Prevents misuse of police authority in filing cases.

When CrPC Section 173 Applies

This section applies after police complete their investigation into a cognizable offence. It governs the submission of the final report or charge sheet to the Magistrate empowered to take cognizance.

• Applies post-investigation of cognizable offences.

• Police officer in charge has authority to submit report.

• Magistrate receiving report must be empowered to take cognizance.

• Timely submission is required to avoid delays.

• Exceptions include cases investigated by other agencies under special laws.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 173

Cognizance is taken by the Magistrate upon receiving the police report under this section. The Magistrate examines the report to determine if there is sufficient ground to proceed with trial. If satisfied, the Magistrate may issue process against the accused or discharge them if evidence is lacking.

• Magistrate reviews police report and evidence.

• Cognizance triggers formal court proceedings.

• Magistrate may order further investigation or trial.

Bailability under CrPC Section 173

Section 173 itself does not specify bailability but relates to offences investigated. Bailability depends on the nature of the offence reported. If the offence is bailable, the accused can seek bail; if non-bailable, bail is at the court's discretion.

• Bail depends on offence category in the report.

• Police report informs bail decisions by courts.

• Accused may apply for bail after cognizance.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 173)

The Magistrate who receives the police report under Section 173 has jurisdiction to try the case if it falls within their powers. Serious offences may be committed to Sessions Court for trial. The Magistrate conducts preliminary proceedings based on the report.

• Magistrate empowered to take cognizance tries the case.

• Sessions Court tries serious offences after committal.

• Trial stages begin post-report submission.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 173

Decisions following the police report, such as discharge or framing charges, can be appealed or revised. The accused or prosecution may appeal to higher courts within prescribed time limits. Revision petitions may be filed to correct legal errors.

• Appeals lie to Sessions Court or High Court.

• Revision petitions correct procedural or legal mistakes.

• Timelines for appeals are generally 30 days.

Example of CrPC Section 173 in Practical Use

Person X is accused of theft. Police investigate, collect evidence, and record witness statements. After completing the investigation, the officer submits a report under Section 173 to the Magistrate, including the charge sheet. The Magistrate reviews the report, takes cognizance, and proceeds to frame charges against X, starting the trial.

• Section 173 enabled formal trial initiation.

• Ensured evidence-based judicial process.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 173

Section 173 has evolved to formalize police reporting and judicial review. Earlier versions lacked clear timelines and content requirements. Amendments introduced detailed reporting duties, enhancing transparency and procedural fairness in criminal trials.

• Major amendments clarified report contents.

• Introduced timelines for report submission.

• Strengthened Magistrate's role in cognizance.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 173

In 2026, Section 173 remains central to criminal procedure, ensuring police accountability and protecting accused rights. Digitalization of reports and evidence submission is increasing, improving efficiency and transparency in investigations and trials.

• Supports digital police report submissions.

• Enhances transparency in criminal justice.

• Balances police investigation and judicial oversight.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 173

• Section 154 – Information to Police and First Investigation Report

• Section 157 – Procedure for Investigation

• Section 190 – Cognizance of Offences by Magistrate

• Section 207 – Supply of Copies of Police Report to Accused

• Section 239 – Discharge of Accused

• Section 240 – Framing of Charges

Case References under CrPC Section 173

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

   – Police report under Section 173 must be complete and truthful for Magistrate to take cognizance.

2. Bhagwan Singh v. State of Haryana (2000, AIR 2000 SC 1912)

   – Magistrate’s power to take cognizance depends on police report under Section 173.

3. Ramesh Kumari v. State of Delhi (2006, AIR 2006 SC 152)

   – Police report must be submitted timely to avoid procedural delays.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 173

• Section:

  173

• Title:

  Police Report After Investigation

• Nature:

  Procedural

• Applies To:

  Police, Magistrate, Accused

• Cognizance:

  Taken by Magistrate upon report receipt

• Bailability:

  Depends on offence reported

• Triable By:

  Magistrate / Sessions Court

Conclusion on CrPC Section 173

CrPC Section 173 is a cornerstone of the criminal justice process, bridging police investigation and judicial trial. It ensures that investigations are properly documented and submitted for Magistrate review, enabling fair and lawful prosecution. This procedural safeguard protects citizens from arbitrary prosecutions and promotes accountability.

By mandating timely and detailed police reports, Section 173 upholds transparency and due process. It empowers Magistrates to make informed decisions on cognizance and trial initiation, balancing police authority with accused rights. Understanding this section is essential for anyone navigating the criminal law system.

FAQs on CrPC Section 173

What is the purpose of CrPC Section 173?

It requires police to submit a detailed investigation report to the Magistrate, enabling judicial review and decision on proceeding with trial.

Who submits the report under Section 173?

The officer in charge of the police station who conducted the investigation submits the report to the Magistrate.

What happens if the police find insufficient evidence?

The police submit a final report stating insufficient evidence, and the Magistrate may discharge the accused or order further inquiry.

Does Section 173 determine bail eligibility?

No, bail depends on the nature of the offence; Section 173 relates to report submission, not bail conditions.

Can the accused appeal decisions based on the Section 173 report?

Yes, decisions like discharge or framing charges can be appealed or revised in higher courts within prescribed timelines.