criminalEnglish origin
Non-Cognizable Offence
An offence for which police cannot arrest without a warrant and must obtain a magistrate's order before investigating.
Full Definition
Non-cognizable offences are less serious � defamation, public nuisance, certain cheating. The complainant must approach a magistrate who may then direct police to investigate.
In Indian Law
Section 2(l) CrPC (Section 2(1)(x) BNSS). Section 155: only an NCR is filed; police cannot investigate without a written magistrate order (Section 155(2)).