Key Definitions – Section 4

Section 4 of the CrPC defines several foundational terms.

• Offence [S. 4(o)]: Any act or omission made punishable by law (Both).It also includes any act in under Section 20 of the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871.
• Complaint [S. 4(1)(h)]: An allegation made orally or in writing to a Magistrate, with a view to his taking action, that some person — known or unknown — has committed an offence, but it does not include a police report.
• Investigation [S. 4(1)(l)]: Includes all proceedings under the Code for the collection of evidence conducted by a police officer, or by any person (other than a Magistrate) who is authorized by a Magistrate in this behalf.
• Judicial proceeding: Any proceeding in the course of which evidence may be legally taken on oath.
• Inquiry [S. 4(1)(k)]: Includes every inquiry other than a trial, conducted under the Code by a Magistrate or Court.
• Place [S. 4(q)]: Defined to include a house, tent, and vessel — i.e., all of these.