Complaint to Magistrate (Ss. 200–203-C)

Chapter XVI (Ss. 200–203-C) covers complaint to Magistrate.

• Section 200: A Magistrate taking cognizance of an offence on complaint shall at once examine the complainant upon oath; the substance is reduced to writing and signed by the complainant and also by the Magistrate.
• No examination needed: Where the complaint is made by a public servant no examination of the complaint is required.
• Section 201: Where the complaint is made in writing to a Magistrate not competent to take cognizance, he shall return it for presentation to the proper Court, with an endorsement to that effect.
• Section 202: The competent court may postpone the issue of process, direct any inquiry, or direct investigation by police (All of these), for ascertaining truth or falsehood.
• Section 202(2): A Court of Session may direct investigation by any subordinate magistrate for ascertaining the truth or falsehood of the complaint.
• Section 203 series: A complaint in case of Qazaf can be made under Section 203-B before the presiding officer of the court.