When Is The Chargesheet Filed?

A chargesheet is a formal document filed by the police in a court of law, detailing the evidence and charges against an accused person in a criminal case.

Timeline for Filing a Chargesheet

• Investigation Period:
  • The police typically have a specified period to conduct the investigation. Under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), this period is generally 24 hours for arrests without a warrant, after which a chargesheet must be filed within 60 to 90 days, depending on the nature of the offense.
• Extensions:
  • In certain cases, if the investigation requires more time, the police can seek an extension from the court. However, this extension is usually granted only under specific circumstances.
• Filing After Investigation:
  • Once the investigation is complete, the police compile the evidence and file the chargesheet. This includes all relevant information about the accused, witnesses, and the evidence collected.
• Court’s Role:
  • After the chargesheet is filed, the court examines it to ensure that it meets the legal requirements. If the court is satisfied, it will proceed with the trial.
• Notification to Accused:
  • The accused will be notified of the charges against them, and they will have the opportunity to respond or contest the charges during the trial.

Summary

A chargesheet is generally filed within 60 to 90 days of an arrest, following the completion of the investigation, although extensions may be sought in certain cases.