Charge Sheet

A charge sheet, technically called a "police report" under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, is the document filed by the investigating officer upon completion of investigation. It is the culmination of the investigation process and forms the basis for the prosecution's case.

The charge sheet must contain: 1. Names of parties 2. Nature of information 3. Names of persons who appear to be acquainted with circumstances of the case 4. Whether any offence appears to have been committed and by whom 5. Whether the accused has been arrested and released on bail 6. Whether accused forwarded in custody or released on bail 7. Opinion whether there is sufficient evidence for committal to trial

Filing of charge sheet within the statutory period is crucial. Under Section 167(2) CrPC, if investigation is not completed within 60 days (for offences punishable up to 10 years) or 90 days (for offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or more than 10 years), the accused becomes entitled to default bail.

A charge sheet is different from a "final report" or "closure report" filed when police find no evidence of crime or when the accused is not traceable.