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Section 172 — Diary of proceedings in investigation
172
172
Diary of proceedings in investigation
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Chapter XII Information to The Police and Their Powers to Investigate
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
Police ProcedureInvestigationEvidenceProcedural Law
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 172 of the CrPC talks about police diaries. These are daily records of the investigation. The police officer writes down everything they do during the investigation. This includes when they got the information, where they went, and what they found.
Why does this law exist? This law ensures transparency in police investigations. It helps to keep a record of the investigation process. It helps the court to understand how the investigation was done.
Real-life impact The police must keep a detailed record of their investigation. The court can use these diaries to check the investigation. However, the accused and their agents usually cannot see these diaries.
What happens if you break this law? This section doesn't specify a punishment. However, if a police officer doesn't properly maintain the diary, it could affect the case. The court might question the investigation's integrity.
💡 Real Life Example

Amit is accused of theft. The police have a diary of the investigation. The court can look at the diary to see how the police investigated the case. Amit and his lawyer usually cannot see the diary.

Sneha is a witness in a fraud case. The police officer uses the diary to refresh their memory in court. The court can then use the diary to check the officer's statements. This ensures the officer is being truthful.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Know that police must maintain investigation diaries.
  • •Understand that you usually cannot see the diary.
  • •Seek legal counsel to understand the investigation process.
  • •Challenge any inconsistencies in the investigation.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 172 of the CrPC deals with police diaries. It requires police officers to keep a daily record of their investigation. This includes details like when they received information, where they went, and what they found. The court can use these diaries to help with the trial. The accused usually cannot see the diaries.
Generally, the accused and their agents cannot see the police diary. However, if the police officer uses the diary to refresh their memory in court, the accused's lawyer might be able to use it. The court can also use the diary to contradict the police officer's statements. This ensures fairness in the trial.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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