120 exam-style questions on this chapter, written from the actual legal text and tagged for UPSC, Judiciary and CLAT. Five are shown below with answers and explanations — the rest are in the free interactive drill.
Q1 · easy · BNSS S.173
Under Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in what manner may information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence be given to the officer in charge of a police station?
- A.Orally or by electronic communication✓ correct
- B.Only in writing signed by the informant
- C.Only orally
- D.Only by electronic communication
Why: Section 173(1) expressly provides that every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence may be given orally or by electronic communication to an officer in charge of a police station. The provision further prescribes how oral information must be reduced to writing and signed.
Read Section 173 — Information in cognizable cases →Q2 · easy · BNSS S.173
If the information is given by a woman alleging an offence under the listed sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, who is required to record that information under Section 173(1) proviso?
- A.Any police officer on duty
- B.A Magistrate
- C.A woman police officer or any woman officer✓ correct
- D.A male police officer in the presence of a female officer
Why: The proviso to Section 173(1) states that if the information is given by the woman against whom certain listed offences are alleged, then such information shall be recorded by a woman police officer or any woman officer. The provision mandates recording by a woman officer in these cases.
Read Section 173 — Information in cognizable cases →Q3 · medium · BNSS S.173
According to Section 173(1)(ii), when is information given by electronic communication to be taken on record by the officer in charge?
- A.Immediately on receipt of the electronic message
- B.On being signed within three days by the person giving it✓ correct
- C.Only after being signed within seven days
- D.Only if the informant appears in person to confirm it
Why: Section 173(1)(ii) specifies that information given by electronic communication shall be taken on record by the officer on being signed within three days by the person giving it. The substance of the information is then to be entered in the prescribed book.
Read Section 173 — Information in cognizable cases →Q4 · medium · BNSS S.173
If an officer in charge of a police station refuses to record information under Section 173(1), what immediate remedy does Section 173(4) provide to the aggrieved person?
- A.Approach the High Court directly for mandamus
- B.Complain to the Director General of Police
- C.File a complaint with the local Magistrate first
- D.Send the substance of the information in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police concerned✓ correct
Why: Section 173(4) allows the aggrieved person to send the substance of the information in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police concerned, who if satisfied shall investigate or direct an investigation; failing which the aggrieved person may apply to the Magistrate. This is the statutory remedy provided before approaching the Magistrate.
Read Section 173 — Information in cognizable cases →Q5 · hard · BNSS S.173
Which of the following correctly states the rule in Section 173(3) for a cognizable offence punishable with imprisonment of three years or more but less than seven years?
- A.The officer in charge may conduct a preliminary enquiry without prior permission and must complete it within seven days.
- B.The officer in charge may, with prior permission from an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, either conduct a preliminary enquiry to ascertain a prima facie case within fourteen days or proceed with investigation when a prima facie case exists.✓ correct
- C.Only a Magistrate may authorise any preliminary enquiry in such cases.
- D.The officer must proceed to full investigation in all such cases; preliminary enquiry is not permitted.
Why: Section 173(3) provides that for cognizable offences punishable for three years or more but less than seven years, the officer in charge may, with prior permission from an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, conduct a preliminary enquiry to ascertain whether a prima facie case exists within fourteen days, or proceed with investigation when a prima facie case exists. The subsection therefore requires prior permission at the stated rank and specifies a 14‑day enquiry period.
Read Section 173 — Information in cognizable cases →115 more questions on Information To The Police And Their Powers To Investigate
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