criminalEnglish origin

Cognizable Offence

An offence for which police can arrest without a warrant and investigate without prior magistrate permission.

Full Definition

Cognizable offences are generally more serious � murder, rape, robbery. Once an FIR is registered, police must investigate. Police power to arrest without warrant under Section 41 CrPC is limited to cognizable offences.

In Indian Law

Section 2(c) CrPC (Section 2(1)(f) BNSS). Schedule 1 lists all IPC offences. Section 41A notice must be served for offences punishable up to 7 years.