charge sheet

On completing investigation, the officer in charge of the police station must forward a report to the Magistrate (s.193 BNSS, old s.173 CrPC). Where the evidence is sufficient, this final report is called a charge sheet; where it is not, a closure report. It states the parties, the nature of the information, the witnesses, whether an offence appears to have been committed and by whom, and whether the accused is in custody or on bail.

The BNSS adds duties to keep the informant or victim told of progress and allows further investigation after the report. A charge sheet is not evidence; it is the basis on which the court takes cognizance. It is also not the charge, which the court frames later.

Example

On the basis of the charge sheet filed under section 193 BNSS, the Magistrate took cognizance and committed the case to the Court of Session.

In Indian law

• Section 193, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (old s.173 CrPC) (report of police officer on completion of investigation)

See also

closure report · charge · cognizance · investigation

Read more in the study notes

• Definitions, classification of offences, and the courts, prosecution and police under the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
• Initiation of a criminal case: FIR, Zero FIR, preliminary enquiry, investigation and complaint (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
• Cognizance, dismissal of complaints, commencement of proceedings and limitation (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
• Framing of charge and joinder of charges (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
• Bail, anticipatory bail and bonds (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)
• Trial before a Court of Session (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)