IPC Section 157
IPC Section 157 mandates police officers to register and investigate information about cognizable offences promptly.
IPC Section 157 addresses the duty of police officers when they receive information about a cognizable offence. It requires the police to register the information as a First Information Report (FIR) and begin an investigation without delay. This section ensures that complaints are taken seriously and that the criminal justice process starts promptly to uphold law and order.
Understanding IPC Section 157 is crucial because it safeguards citizens' rights to have their complaints officially recorded and investigated. It prevents police negligence or refusal to act on information about serious crimes, thereby promoting accountability and timely justice.
IPC Section 157 – Exact Provision
In simple terms, this section means that when a police officer hears about a serious crime, they must write down the complaint as an FIR and start investigating. The officer cannot ignore or delay the process if the information seems believable.
Mandates police to record information about cognizable offences.
Requires registration of an FIR if information is credible.
Obligates police to start or arrange investigation promptly.
Ensures accountability in police response to complaints.
Applies only to cognizable offences, which are serious crimes.
Purpose of IPC Section 157
The main legal objective of Section 157 is to ensure that police officers act promptly and responsibly when informed about serious crimes. It prevents police from ignoring or delaying the registration of complaints, which could otherwise hinder justice. This section protects citizens’ right to have their grievances officially recorded and investigated, thereby strengthening the criminal justice system.
To guarantee prompt registration of FIRs for cognizable offences.
To initiate timely investigation to prevent loss of evidence.
To uphold public trust in police responsiveness and accountability.
Cognizance under IPC Section 157
Cognizance under this section arises when a police officer receives credible information about a cognizable offence. The officer must then register the FIR and begin investigation. The courts take cognizance based on the FIR registered under this section, which forms the basis for further legal proceedings.
Police take cognizance upon receiving credible information of a cognizable offence.
Registration of FIR is mandatory before investigation.
Court proceedings follow the FIR and investigation initiated under this section.
Bail under IPC Section 157
Section 157 itself does not define any offence or prescribe punishment, so the question of bail depends on the offence reported under the FIR. Since it relates to the procedure of registering information, bail considerations are governed by the nature of the cognizable offence involved.
Section 157 is procedural; bail depends on the underlying offence.
Bail eligibility is determined by the offence reported in the FIR.
Police must still register FIR regardless of bail provisions.
Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)
Since Section 157 deals with the police procedure of registering information and investigation, it does not specify trial courts. The trial jurisdiction depends on the offence reported in the FIR. Generally, cognizable offences are triable by Magistrate or Sessions Courts depending on severity.
Trial court depends on the offence reported in the FIR.
Magistrate courts try less serious cognizable offences.
Sessions courts try serious offences requiring higher jurisdiction.
Example of IPC Section 157 in Use
Suppose a person informs the police that their neighbor was assaulted, which is a cognizable offence. The police officer must record this complaint as an FIR under Section 157 and begin investigation. If the officer refuses to register the FIR, the complainant can approach higher authorities or courts to enforce this duty. Prompt registration ensures that the investigation starts early, preserving evidence and increasing chances of justice.
In contrast, if the police delay or refuse to register the FIR, the victim’s rights are violated, potentially allowing the accused to escape accountability. Courts have often intervened to direct police to comply with Section 157 obligations.
Historical Relevance of IPC Section 157
Section 157 has been a foundational provision in the Indian criminal justice system since the IPC’s inception in 1860. It was designed to ensure police accountability and prevent arbitrary refusal to register complaints about serious crimes.
Introduced in IPC 1860 to regulate police procedure.
Landmark cases have reinforced mandatory FIR registration.
Amendments and judicial interpretations have strengthened police accountability.
Modern Relevance of IPC Section 157
In 2025, Section 157 remains vital for protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring police transparency. Courts continue to emphasize the mandatory nature of FIR registration under this section. It plays a key role in combating police apathy and ensuring timely investigation in the digital age, where complaints may be filed online but still require physical FIR registration.
Courts uphold mandatory FIR registration to prevent police negligence.
Supports digital complaint systems by mandating formal FIR registration.
Enhances public confidence in police responsiveness and justice delivery.
Related Sections to IPC Section 157
Section 154 – Information in cognizable cases and FIR registration
Section 156 – Police authority to investigate cognizable offences
Section 158 – Procedure when investigation cannot be made
Section 159 – Police to report to magistrate if investigation not possible
Section 160 – Police power to require attendance of witnesses
Section 161 – Examination of witnesses by police
Case References under IPC Section 157
- Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP (2014) 2 SCC 1
– Supreme Court held that registration of FIR is mandatory under Section 157 upon receiving information of a cognizable offence.
- State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal (1992) Supp (1) SCC 335
– Court emphasized police duty to register FIR and investigate without undue delay.
- Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014) 8 SCC 273
– Supreme Court reiterated police obligation under Section 157 and cautioned against arbitrary arrests without proper investigation.
Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 157
- Section:
157
- Title:
Information to Police and Investigation
- Offence Type:
Procedural; applies to cognizable offences
- Punishment:
Not applicable (procedure for FIR and investigation)
- Triable By:
Depends on offence reported (Magistrate/Sessions)
Conclusion on IPC Section 157
IPC Section 157 is a cornerstone provision that ensures police officers act promptly when informed about cognizable offences. By mandating the registration of FIR and initiation of investigation, it protects citizens’ rights and strengthens the criminal justice process. This section prevents police apathy and delays that could otherwise obstruct justice.
Its importance continues in modern India, where timely police action is critical to uphold law and order. Section 157 fosters accountability and transparency in police functioning, making it essential for effective crime control and public trust in the legal system.
FAQs on IPC Section 157
What is the main duty of police under IPC Section 157?
Police must register an FIR and start investigation when they receive credible information about a cognizable offence.
Does Section 157 apply to all offences?
No, it applies only to cognizable offences, which are serious crimes requiring police investigation without magistrate’s permission.
Can police refuse to register an FIR under Section 157?
No, if the information appears credible, police are legally bound to register the FIR and investigate.
Is Section 157 related to bail or punishment?
No, it is a procedural section about FIR registration and investigation, not about bail or punishment.
Which court tries offences reported under Section 157?
The trial court depends on the offence reported; it may be a Magistrate or Sessions Court based on the crime’s severity.