Section 178 Earlier CrPC 159
Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry
Chapter 13: Information to the police and their powers to investigate
The Magistrate, on receiving a report under section 176, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Sanhita.
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 46 of 2023). As printed in the Gazette on 25 December 2023. Later amendments, if any, are not included.