Introduction
A charge sheet is a formal legal document used by law enforcement, like the police, to officially accuse someone of a crime. It contains details about the alleged crime, the evidence gathered, and the specific charges against the accused.

This document is crucial in the legal process, as it forms the basis for prosecuting the accused and helps them understand the charges and prepare a defense. It also ensures transparency and protects the rights of the accused.

If more evidence is found after the initial charge sheet, a supplementary charge sheet can be filed with court permission.

The charge sheet must be filed within 60 in case of lower courts and 90 days in case of sessions court, from the arrest of the accused. If this time limit is not met, the accused may be granted bail as per Section 167 of the CrPC.

In a recent ruling on April 26, 2023, the Supreme Court Bench of Justices Krishna Murari and C T Ravikumar emphasized that a charge sheet cannot be filed solely to delay the accused's right to default bail without completing the investigation first.

A charge sheet filed without sanction is an incomplete charge sheet and does not meet the requirement of a police report within the meaning of Section 173(2) of the CrPC. Such a charge sheet would also not be in consonance with sub section (5) of Section 173 of the CrPC.

Procedure of Submission of Charge Sheet
When the police finish their investigation, they send a report to the concerned Magistrate or Judge deputed in this regard, as per Section 173 of the CrPC. This rule is about how police investigations should be done and reported. Here's a simplified explanation:

1. Investigations must be done quickly and not delayed unnecessarily.
   (1A) If it's a case of child rape, the investigation should ideally be finished within three months from when the police got the information.
2. (i) once the investigation is done, the police officer in charge of the case must send a report in the form prescribed by the State Government to the Magistrate or Judge. This report should include:
   1. Names of the people involved.
   2. Details of the case.
   3. Names of people who might know about the case.
   4. Whether a crime happened and who did it.
   5. If the accused person was arrested.
   6. If they were released on bail (with or without sureties).
   7. If they were sent to jail.
   8. Whether a medical exam report for the victim (if it's a sexual assault case) is attached where investigation relates to an offence under section 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D, or 376E of the IPC.
   (ii) The officer must also inform the person who first reported the crime about the actions taken by the police. This communication should be done in the way that the State Government has prescribed.
3. If there's a higher-ranking police officer assigned under section 158 CrPC, and if the State Government says so, the report should go through that higher-ranking officer. This higher-ranking officer can also tell the officer in charge of the police station to do more investigation while waiting for the Magistrate's or Judge's orders.
4. Whenever the report sent under this section shows that the accused person has been let go with a bond, the Magistrate must decide what to do with that bond. They can either release it or take some other action they believe is appropriate.
5. If the report relates to a case covered by section 170 CrPC, the police officer must send the Magistrate the following along with the report:
   1. Any documents or important parts of them that the prosecution plans to use as evidence, except for the ones already given to the Magistrate during the investigation.
   2. Statements recorded under section 161 CrPC from all the people the prosecution intends to call as witnesses.
6. If the police officer believes that any part of a statement isn't important for the case or sharing it with the accused isn't necessary for justice and is not in the public interest, they must mark that part and include a note. This note asks the Magistrate to leave out that part when giving copies to the accused, and the officer must explain why they're making this request.
7. If the investigating police officer thinks it's suitable, they can provide the accused person with copies of some or all the documents mentioned in subsection (5).
8. This section doesn't stop additional investigation into a crime even after sending the initial report to the Magistrate. If the officer in charge of the police station finds more evidence, whether it's in the form of statements or documents, they must send another report to the Magistrate regarding this new evidence. The rules in subsections (2) to (6) should be followed for this new report, just like they would for the initial report sent under subsection (2).

How to draft a Charge Sheet?
When creating a charge sheet, here are some important points to remember:

Use Pleasant Language: Write in a way that is easy to understand, like telling a good story. Avoid using confusing or unclear words.

Avoid Repetition: Don't repeat the evidence or statements from the investigation. Keep it concise.

Stick to Relevant Information: Include only important details. Don't include irrelevant information or points.

Request Necessary Warrants: If the accused is on the run, ask for arrest warrants. If needed, request processes for proclamation and attachment.

Based on Facts: Do not assume or presume. Your charge sheet should rely on facts found during the investigation.

Balance Length: Make sure the charge sheet is neither too long nor too short. The contents may be quoted by the judge in the final judgment.

Avoid Unnecessary Defence Leverage: Don't give the defence opportunities to use the charge sheet in favour of the accused by including material that can't be proven by the prosecution.

Include Necessary Authorizations: If the law requires authorization from certain authorities, get it and attach it to the charge sheet, mentioning it in the document.

Address Accused's Defence: If the accused presented a defence or alibi during the investigation, mention it in the charge sheet along with the investigator's findings to counter it.

Consider Enhanced Punishment: Don't forget about enhanced punishment under Section 75 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). If it's relevant, specify it in the charge sheet and note previous convictions in the last paragraph.

Memorandum of Evidence
The Memorandum of Evidence accompanying charge sheet is a crucial document with significance for police officers, prosecutors, and the legal system. It serves as a concise summary of witnesses and their expected testimonies, offering valuable insights at a glance. Here's a breakdown of its key components and related procedures:

The Memorandum of Evidence plays a pivotal role in legal proceedings, providing an organized list of witnesses and their anticipated statements. It encompasses a wide range of individuals, including the complainant, victims, eyewitnesses, circumstantial witnesses, inquest witnesses, observation report contributors, experts, police officers involved in registering the case, initiating the FIR, conducting the investigation, and apprehending the accused, as well as the officer responsible for filing the charge sheet.

These names should be arranged chronologically to reflect the sequence of events.

The particularly complex cases, such as those involving numerous accused or intricate scenarios like rioting, murder, gang activities and conspiracies, demand meticulous preparation of the Memorandum of Evidence.

Charts may be created to facilitate the identification of cases in which individual accused parties are involved, requiring specific proof.

The document should also offer a succinct historical overview of the case, detail the committed offenses, list the accused individuals, provide information about the evidence collected, document the status of material or documentary evidence, and describe their disposition or current stage.

Typically, investigating officers are responsible for drafting the initial charge sheet, subject to review by Assistant Public Prosecutors (APPs).Prior to submitting the charge sheet, these charges should be approved by the concerned APP or, in sessions cases, by the relevant Public Prosecutors (PPs), and their recommendations should be incorporated into the document.

Documents to Accompany the Charge Sheet
Alongside the charge sheet, the prosecution must submit all relevant documents, or extracts thereof, which they intend to rely upon in court.

Additionally, copies of statements recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC from all individuals the prosecution intends to call as witnesses in court should be included.

If applicable, any prior convictions of the accused under Section 75 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) must be appended.

Providing Copies to the Accused
Section 207 of the CrPC says that if a case starts because of a charge sheet, the judge must give the accused person some important papers for free. These papers include:

Charge Sheet: This is a document from the police that outlines the charges against the accused.

FIR (First Information Report): This is the first report the police make when they receive information about a crime. It contains details about the case.

Confessions: If the accused person confessed to the crime in front of a Magistrate, that statement should be given to them.

Statements of Witnesses: The statements of people who will testify in court for the prosecution should also be given to the accused. However, if the police request to keep some parts of these statements secret, the judge can decide whether to allow it or not.

If any of these documents are very long, the judge can ask the accused or their lawyer to look at them in court instead of making copies.

However, the Memorandum of Evidence, which lists all the prosecution witnesses and their addresses, does not need to be given to the accused. Just providing a list of the witnesses is enough.

According to the law (CrPC), it's the job of the trial or committal Magistrate (the judge) to give these documents to the accused. Before Section 207 of CrPC was introduced in 1973, the police used to give copies of all documents to the accused under Section 173(4) and (5) of CrPC. Even after Section 207 was introduced, the police continued to give copies to the accused.

In most cases, copies of these documents must be given to all the accused unless the accused's lawyer is okay with just one or two copies. This is because Subsection (7) of Section 173 of CrPC says that if the police find it hard to give all the documents, they can choose which ones to give. Many trial judges have been asking the prosecution (the lawyers for the government) to provide copies of the documents because they don't have enough staff and supplies.

It's also a good practice to give copies of all these documents to the prosecutors. They need them to prepare for the prosecution (the case against the accused).

Points to be remembered while drafting a Good Charge Sheet
Preparing a good charge sheet is crucial in the criminal justice system, as it serves as the foundation for prosecuting an individual.

To create an effective charge sheet, law enforcement officers and investigators should follow these guidelines:
Briefly Summarize the Complaint: Start with a concise overview of the complaint that initiated the investigation.

Describe the Evidence: Explain the nature of both direct and indirect evidence that has been collected during the investigation.

Detail Arrests: Mention who among the accused has been arrested and their current status (released on bail or sent to judicial custody).

Discuss Searches and Seizures: If any searches were conducted and items were seized, provide details.

Chronological Sequence: Outline the sequence of events in chronological order to help understand how the alleged offences unfolded.

Specify Offences and Roles: Describe the various offences committed by the accused, especially if there are multiple accused. Explain the role each played

Thoroughly Investigate the Case: Conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation, gathering all available evidence, including witness statements, physical evidence, and digital records. Ensure all leads are explored and evidence is collected in accordance with legal procedures.

Understand the Law: Familiarize yourself with the relevant criminal statutes and legal requirements for the charges you intend to file. Consult with legal experts if necessary.

Accurate Documentation: Maintain detailed and accurate records of the investigation, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. Document the witness statements and interviews verbatim whenever possible.

Organize the Charge Sheet: Format the charge sheet according to the jurisdiction's standards and regulations. Ensure it includes a clear title, case number, and date of submission. List the accused's personal information, such as name, date of birth, and address.

Specify the Charges: Clearly state the charges against the accused. Ensure that the charges accurately reflect the evidence and the elements of the crime.

Present the Evidence: Provide a summary of the evidence supporting the charges. This may include witness statements, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, or any other relevant materials. Cite the sources of evidence and the chain of custody to demonstrate its reliability.

Include a Narrative of the Offence: Write a concise but comprehensive narrative that outlines the sequence of events leading to the alleged crime. Include dates, times, locations, and the roles of all parties involved.

Detail of the arrest and rights of the accused: Describe the circumstances of the arrest of the accused, including the place, date and time. Confirm that the accused has been advised of his right to remain silent and of his right to counsel.

Witness List and Contact Information: Provide a list of witnesses who may testify during the trial. Include their names, contact information, and a brief summary of their statement. Note any expert witnesses and their qualifications.

Attach relevant documents: Attach copies of relevant documents such as search warrants, arrest warrants, seizure list or lab reports. That all attachments are properly labeled and organized should be ensured.

Review and Proofreading: Carefully review your billing for accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Remove any grammatical errors, typos or inconsistencies.

Consult with prosecutors: Work with prosecutors to ensure that the prosecution aligns with their legal strategy and meets their expectations.

Submission and Filing: File the charges with the appropriate authorities, which may include the prosecutor's office or a judge. Follow the prescribed procedures for filing charges within the prescribed time frame.

Maintain Chain of Custody: Continue to secure and maintain the integrity of all physical evidence during the trial.

Prepare for Trial: Be prepared to testify in court if necessary and provide a coherent and accurate account of the investigation and the evidence presented in the indictment.

Additionally, if new evidence comes to light after the initial charge sheet, you can file a second charge sheet based on those new facts. This allows for a more complete and accurate presentation of the case under Section 173(3) CPC.

Common mistakes made by Investigating Officers when filing Charge Sheets
Investigating officers play a key role in the criminal justice system and any mistake made in the filing of charges can have serious consequences for the prosecution and the accused. Here are some common mistakes that investigating officers may make when filing charges:

Lack of Evidence: One of the most serious mistakes is filing charges without sufficient evidence to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. Insufficient evidence can lead to charges being dropped or acquittals during the trial.

Violation of Legal Procedures: Investigating officers must follow proper legal procedures and guidelines when collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and making arrests. Any violation of these procedures may result in the exclusion of evidence and may jeopardize the case.

Incomplete Investigation: Incomplete investigation of all aspects of a case, including potential witnesses, leads, and evidence, can result in incomplete charges and can hinder the prosecution's ability to prove guilt.

Inaccurate or incomplete documentation: Proper documentation of evidence, witness statements, and investigative steps are essential. Errors in recording or not documenting crucial information can weaken a case.

Failure to preserve evidence: Mishandling or failure to preserve physical evidence can lead to its damage or loss, which can seriously undermine a case.

Delay in filing charge sheet: Filing charges after a significant delay can have legal consequences such as violating the accused's right to a speedy trial.

Inconsistent Statements: Making inconsistent or contradictory statements in the charge sheet can raise questions about the credibility of the investigation.

Bias or Prejudice: Investigating officers must remain impartial and objective during investigations. Any hint of bias or prejudice can damage the integrity of the case.

Failure to inform the accused of his rights: Investigating officers must ensure that the accused is informed of his rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to counsel during the investigation.

Failure to follow the chain of custody: Strict adherence to the chain of custody is essential when handling and preserving evidence. Failure to follow this chain can lead to issues regarding the integrity of the evidence.

Inaccurate Charges: Charging an individual with the wrong crime or providing incorrect information in a charge sheet can lead to legal complications and may require an amendment to the charge.

Lack of coordination with prosecutors: Ineffective communication with prosecutors during the charge preparation process can lead to misunderstandings and hinder a prosecutor's ability to present a strong case in court.

Court judgments
The Kerala High Court has recently held that there is no embargo on the prosecution producing the relevant document even after the final report or charge sheet has been submitted with the permission of the court. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V relied on the decision of the Supreme Court in Central Bureau of Investigation v. R.S. Pai and others [2002 (5) SCC 82] and held that if the investigating officer commits an error in not producing any relevant document at the time of filing the report or charge sheet, the investigating officer can produce it with the permission of the court.

In Rama Chaudhary v. State of Bihar (2009) 6 SCC 346 the Hon'ble Apex Court held "further enquiry" within the meaning of the provisions of Section 173(8) CPC is additional; more; or supplementary. Thus, a 'further investigation' is a continuation of an earlier investigation and not a fresh investigation or an investigation to be initiated ab initio to completely wipe out the earlier investigation.'

In the case of Hardeep Singh v. State of Punjab AIR 2014 SC 1400, a Constitution bench of Chief Justice P. Sathasivam, Justice B.S Chauhan, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S.A. Bobde said, "A person not named in the FIR or a person who is named in the FIR but has not been charged or a person who has been acquitted can be summoned under Section 319 CrPC if the evidence shows that such person can be tried along with the accused , who is already on trial. "

Delivering the verdict, Justice Chauhan said, "In the case of an accused, who has been discharged, the requirement of Sections 300 and 398 of the CrPC must be fulfilled before he can be summoned again." On Friday, January 20, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled on a PIL filed by journalist Saurav Das that the charge sheets are not "public documents" and allowing them to be freely accessed by the public violates provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 as it jeopardizes the rights of the accused, the victim and the investigating authorities. A two-judge bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice CT Ravikumar also warned against the possibility of "misuse" before dismissing the PIL seeking directions to the police or investigative agencies like the ED or the CBI.

Conclusion
The mistakes in submission of charge sheet can not only weaken the prosecution's case, but can also result in legal consequences for the investigating officer. Therefore, it is imperative that investigating officers follow established procedures, maintain professionalism and seek legal assistance when necessary to avoid these mistakes when filing charge sheets. A well-prepared charge sheet is essential for a successful prosecution. It should provide a clear and convincing narrative of the case supported by credible evidence while following all legal requirements and procedures. Cooperation with lawyers and adherence to ethical standards are essential throughout the process.

References:

1. https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/kerala-high-court/kerala-high-court-prosecution-relevant-document-evidence-stage-after-charge-sheet-ndps-trial-230126
2. Person not named in FIR, charge sheet can be tried: SC, IANS, New Delhi, January 10, 2014
3. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chargesheets-not-public-documents-breaking-down-sc-ruling-8396054/
4. Andhra Pradesh Police Academy, First Course in Investigation.
5. P. Venkatesh, Police Diaries, Statements, Reports and Investigations, Premier Publishing Company, Allahabad.
6. R. Deb, Principles of Criminology, Criminal Law and Investigation, S.C. Sarkar & Sons, Calcutta.
7. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cant-file-charge-sheet-without-completing-investigation-supreme-court-3982425

Written By: Md. Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9836576565