Description

1. Duty to Investigate

   • If an officer in charge of a police station receives information or otherwise has reason to suspect the commission of an offence that he is empowered to investigate under Section 156, he shall:
     • Immediately report the case to a Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of such offences based on a police report.
     • Proceed in person or depute a subordinate officer (not below the prescribed rank) to investigate the facts and circumstances of the case.
     • If necessary, take measures to discover and arrest the offender.

2. Exceptions to Investigation Requirement (Proviso)

   • The officer in charge need not investigate on the spot in the following cases:
     (a) If the offence is not serious and the accused is named in the complaint.
     (b) If there is no sufficient ground to proceed with the investigation.

3. Reporting and Notification

   • In cases where the officer chooses not to investigate under clauses (a) or (b):
     • He must state his reasons in his report.
     • In cases under clause (b), he must immediately notify the informant, in the manner prescribed by the State Government, about the decision not to investigate or cause an investigation.