Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Cognizable vs. Non-Cognizable Offence (Section 2(c) & 2(l) CrPC / BNSS)
Criminal Procedure & Jurisprudence Terms
Definition
Cognizable Offence: A serious offence for which a police officer may arrest without a warrant and initiate an investigation without an order from a magistrate.
Non-Cognizable Offence: A minor offence where a police officer has no authority to arrest without a warrant or investigate without a magistrate's direction.
Example
Robbery under Section 392 IPC is cognizable, allowing the police to arrest the suspect immediately; simple criminal defamation under Section 500 IPC is non-cognizable, requiring the complainant to approach a magistrate.