Bailable & Non-Bailable Offences

Cognizable Offence

Definition (CrPC Section 2(c)):

A cognizable offence is one in which a police officer has the authority to register an FIR and start investigation without prior permission from a magistrate.

Characteristics:

• Police can investigate without magistrate’s approval.
• Police can arrest without a warrant.
• Generally more serious crimes.

Examples:

• Murder (IPC Sec 302)
• Rape (IPC Sec 376)
• Robbery (IPC Sec 390)
• Kidnapping (IPC Sec 363)

Relevant Sections:

• CrPC Section 154: Filing of First Information Report (FIR)
• CrPC Section 156(1): Police can investigate without magistrate’s order

Non-Cognizable Offence

Definition (CrPC Section 2(l)) :

A non-cognizable offence is one in which the police cannot register an FIR or start investigation without prior permission from a magistrate.

Characteristics:

• Police cannot investigate without magistrate’s approval.
• Police cannot arrest without a warrant.
• Generally less serious offences.

Examples:

• Public nuisance (IPC Sec 268)
• Cheating (minor cases, IPC Sec 420)
• Defamation (IPC Sec 500)
• Simple hurt (IPC Sec 323)

Relevant Sections:

• CrPC Section 155: Police report to magistrate for non-cognizable offences
• CrPC Section 156(2): Police require magistrate’s order to investigate

Comparison Table (India)