Skip to main content

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Section 167

Local inquiry

Quick Answer Reference: Section 167 BNSS

  • Provision: Section 167 of BNSS
  • Act: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Classification: MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND TRANQUILLITY
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Summary: A District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate can order a local inquiry for certain cases. They can appoint a subordinate Magistrate to conduct the inquiry and provide instructions. The report from the inquiry can be used as evidence in court. The court can also decide who should pay the costs of the inquiry, including witness fees and lawyer fees.
Statutory Content

What does Section 167 of BNSS say?

(1) Whenever a local inquiry is necessary for the purposes of section 164, section 165 or section 166, a District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate may depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to make the inquiry, and may furnish him with such written instructions as may seem necessary for his guidance, and may declare by whom the whole or any part of the necessary expenses of the inquiry shall be paid. (2) The report of the person so deputed may be read as evidence in the case. (3) When any costs have been incurred by any party to a proceeding under section 164, section 165 or section 166, the Magistrate passing a decision may direct by whom such costs shall be paid, whether by such party or by any other party to the proceeding, and whether in whole or in part or proportion and such costs may include any expenses incurred in respect of witnesses and of advocates' fees, which the Court may consider reasonable.

Indian StandardSection 167, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Bluebook (21st ed.)Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, § 167 (India)
Court Pleading StandardSection 167 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Canonical Web linkhttps://nyaya.cloud/acts/bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita/167

Embed this Section Card

Want to display this Section explanation card on your website? Copy and paste the HTML code below:

Source: Gazette of India (Official Publication)Verify egazette.gov.in ↗
✓ VERIFIED FOR LEGAL ACCURACYReviewed & certified by Advocate Arjun Choudhury (Bar Council ID: D/8734/2015).
AI Educational GuideAI-generated explanation for educational and research purposes. Original statutory text is preserved exactly.
Section Meaning & Purpose

What does Section 167 of BNSS mean?

Plain English Explanation

A District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate can order a local inquiry for certain cases. They can appoint a subordinate Magistrate to conduct the inquiry and provide instructions. The report from the inquiry can be used as evidence in court. The court can also decide who should pay the costs of the inquiry, including witness fees and lawyer fees.

Practical Interpretation

In practical terms, this section allows for a local inquiry to be conducted in cases where it is necessary. The District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate can appoint a subordinate Magistrate to conduct the inquiry and provide instructions. The report from the inquiry can be used as evidence in court, which can help in making a decision. The court can also decide who should pay the costs of the inquiry, including witness fees and lawyer fees.

Core Legal Purpose

The core purpose of this section is to provide a mechanism for conducting local inquiries in cases where it is necessary. This allows for a more efficient and effective way of gathering information and making decisions. The section also provides for the costs of the inquiry to be paid by the parties involved, which helps to ensure that justice is served.

Key Legal Elements
  • A local inquiry is necessary for the purposes of section 164, section 165 or section 166.
  • A District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate may depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to make the inquiry.
  • The report of the person so deputed may be read as evidence in the case.
  • When any costs have been incurred by any party to a proceeding under section 164, section 165 or section 166, the Magistrate passing a decision may direct by whom such costs shall be paid.
Practical Example

Practical Example of Section 167 BNSS

Rajesh, a District Magistrate, needs to conduct a local inquiry into a case under section 164. He appoints a subordinate Magistrate, Amit, to conduct the inquiry and provides him with instructions. Amit conducts the inquiry and submits a report, which is used as evidence in the case. The court decides that the costs of the inquiry, including witness fees and lawyer fees, should be paid by the parties involved.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions about Section 167 BNSS

Q: What is the purpose of this section?

This section provides a mechanism for conducting local inquiries in cases where it is necessary. It allows for a more efficient and effective way of gathering information and making decisions.

Q: Does this section apply to private individuals or public entities?

This section applies to both private individuals and public entities, as it is a procedural provision that can be used in various types of cases.

Q: Is this section a penal provision?

No, this section is a procedural provision and does not prescribe a penal punishment. It provides a mechanism for conducting local inquiries and deciding who should pay the costs of the inquiry.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Common Questions about Section 167 BNSS

What is Section 167 of BNSS?

Section 167 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) defines and regulates "Local inquiry". In plain terms: A District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate can order a local inquiry for certain cases. They can appoint a subordinate Magistrate to conduct the inquiry and provide instructions. The report from the inquiry can be used as evidence in court. The court can also decide who should pay the costs of the inquiry, including witness fees and lawyer fees.

What is the punishment under Section 167 of BNSS?

Section 167 of BNSS does not prescribe a specific criminal punishment, or it is a procedural provision.

Is Section 167 of BNSS bailable or non-bailable?

Whether Section 167 of BNSS is bailable or non-bailable depends on the schedule classification.

What are the elements of Section 167 of BNSS?

The essential elements of Section 167 of BNSS are: A local inquiry is necessary for the purposes of section 164, section 165 or section 166.; A District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate may depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to make the inquiry.; The report of the person so deputed may be read as evidence in the case..

Landmark Case Laws

Landmark Judgments under Section 167 BNSS

2017 10 SCC 1

Supreme Court of India

1978 1 SCC 248

Supreme Court of India

2014 8 SCC 273

Supreme Court of India

Patnahcucisdb94 High Court (10 8)