Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Section 161 CrPC / Section 180 BNSS Statement
Criminal Procedure & Jurisprudence Terms
Definition
The oral statement of a witness recorded in writing by the investigating officer during a police investigation; it is not signed by the witness and cannot be used as substantive evidence, only for contradiction under Section 145 IEA / BSA.
Example
During cross-examination in the Sessions Court, defense counsel confronts a prosecution witness with their Section 161 statement to expose inconsistencies regarding the color of the getaway vehicle.