procedureEnglish origin
Cognizance
The judicial act of a magistrate taking formal notice of an offence and deciding to proceed.
Full Definition
Cognizance marks the transition from investigation to judicial proceedings: (1) on receiving a chargesheet; (2) on a complaint; (3) on own knowledge. It is the act of applying a judicial mind � not the same as issuing process.
In Indian Law
Section 190 CrPC (Section 210 BNSS). In R.R. Chari v. State of UP (1951): 'Taking cognizance occurs as soon as a magistrate applies his mind to the suspected commission of an offence.'