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Chargesheet

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒʃiːt/

Legal / Procedural Term

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Definition

The final report submitted by police to the Magistrate after completion of investigation, stating sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the accused. Governed by Section 173 CrPC (Section 193 BNSS). Must be filed within 60 days (offences up to 10 years) or 90 days (death/life/over 10 years imprisonment). Failure entitles the accused to default bail as a matter of right under Section 167(2) CrPC.

Examples

After investigating a murder, police compile witness statements, forensic reports, and evidence and file a chargesheet before the Sessions Court.

If police fail to file a chargesheet within 90 days in a murder case, the accused is entitled to default bail — an indefeasible right under Article 21.

Case Study

In Bikramjit Singh v. State of Punjab (2020), the Supreme Court held that the right to default bail is indefeasible once the statutory period expires — subsequent filing of chargesheet cannot take away this already-accrued right.

Key Cases

Bikramjit Singh v. State of Punjab

2020

(2020) 10 SCC 616

Default bail right is indefeasible once time expires without chargesheet. Subsequent filing cannot defeat the right. Article 21 protection of liberty.

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Also Known As

police reportfinal report

Synonyms

police reportfinal reportcomplaint reportcharge document

Antonyms / Opposites

closure reportfinal report (untraced)

Related Terms

FIRdefault bailSection 173 CrPCcognizable offencepolice investigation

Dictionary Entry

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