Section 33 CrPC: Powers of Appointed Officers – Code of Criminal Procedure

This section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, deals with the powers of officers appointed under the CrPC to investigate and deal with certain offences.

1. The Code

Section 33 CrPC:

(1) Any officer appointed under this Code to investigate or inquire into any offence may, for the purpose of such investigation or inquiry, exercise all the powers conferred upon police officers by this Code or by any other law for the time being in force.

2. Explanation

This section empowers any officer designated under the CrPC to investigate or inquire into any offence, to exercise the same powers as a police officer. These powers include:

• Search and Seizure: The power to search premises and seize evidence relevant to the investigation.
• Arrest: The authority to arrest individuals suspected of committing the offence.
• Questioning Suspects: The right to question suspects and gather information.
• Recording Statements: The ability to record statements of witnesses and suspects.
• Investigation: Conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and following leads.

3. Illustration

Consider a case where the Income Tax Department appoints an officer to investigate tax evasion. Under Section 33, the appointed officer can exercise powers like a police officer to search the premises of the accused, seize documents related to the case, and question individuals involved in the tax evasion.

4. Common Questions and Answers