Description

1. Every investigation under this Chapter shall be completed without unnecessary delay.

1A. In cases involving the rape of a child, the investigation may be completed within three months from the date the information was recorded by the officer in charge of the police station.

2. Upon completion of the investigation, the officer in charge shall submit a report to a Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of the offence. The report, in the form prescribed by the State Government, shall include:

   • The names of the parties involved.
   • The nature of the information received.
   • The names of individuals acquainted with the circumstances of the case.
   • Whether an offence appears to have been committed and, if so, by whom.
   • Whether the accused has been arrested.
   • Whether the accused has been released on bond, and if so, whether with or without sureties.
   • Whether the accused has been forwarded in custody under Section 170.
   • The report of the medical examination of the woman, if the case pertains to offences under Sections 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D, or 376E of the Indian Penal Code.

3. The officer shall also communicate, in the manner prescribed by the State Government, the action taken to the person who initially reported the offence.

4. If a superior police officer has been appointed under Section 158, and if directed by the State Government, the report shall be submitted through that officer, who may, pending the Magistrate’s orders, instruct further investigation.

5. If the report indicates that the accused has been released on bond, the Magistrate shall pass an appropriate order for the discharge of the bond or any other necessary directive.

6. When the report pertains to a case under Section 170, the police officer shall also forward to the Magistrate:

   • All relevant documents or extracts on which the prosecution relies, excluding those already submitted during the investigation.
   • Statements recorded under Section 161 of all persons whom the prosecution intends to call as witnesses.

7. If the police officer believes that any portion of a witness’s statement is irrelevant to the proceedings, or that its disclosure to the accused is unnecessary in the interest of justice or public interest, he may indicate such portions and request the Magistrate to exclude them from the copies provided to the accused, stating his reasons.

8. Where feasible, the investigating officer may provide the accused with copies of any or all documents mentioned in Sub-Section (5).

9. Nothing in this section prevents further investigation after a report has been submitted under Sub-Section (2). If further evidence is obtained, whether oral or documentary, the officer in charge shall submit a supplementary report to the Magistrate, following the same procedure as outlined in Sub-Sections (2) to (6).