Challan Under Section 173 CrPC Pakistan
Complete guide to police final report | Types, time limit, supplementary report, court procedure & legal remedies
1. Introduction to Challan Under Section 173 CrPC Pakistan
A challan under section 173 CrPC Pakistan is the final police report submitted to the magistrate upon completion of investigation. It is the most crucial document after FIR that determines whether an accused will face trial. Understanding the challan under section 173 CrPC Pakistan is essential for every accused person, complainant, and legal practitioner.
2. Legal Framework – Section 173 CrPC
Section 173 CrPC – Legal basis for police final report (Challan)
| Provision | Requirement | اردو |
|---|---|---|
| Section 173(1)(a) | Report format, parties, witnesses, evidence | رپورٹ کی تفصیلات |
| Section 173(1)(b) | 14 days for investigation, 3 days for interim report | تفتیش کی مدت |
| Section 173(2) | Report signed by SHO, forwarded through Public Prosecutor | دستخط اور پیشگی |
| Section 173(8) | Further investigation and supplementary report | اضافی تفتیش |
3. Types of Challan Under Section 173 CrPC Pakistan
| Type of Challan | Meaning | Court Action | اردو |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive Challan | Sufficient evidence found | Court takes cognizance, trial begins | مثبت چالان |
| Negative Challan / Cancellation Report | No evidence found | Magistrate may accept cancellation | منفی چالان / اخراج مقدمہ |
| Partial Challan | Evidence against some accused only | Trial for named accused only | جزوی چالان |
| Incomplete / Interim Challan | Investigation incomplete, submitted within 17 days | Court may take cognizance or wait | نامکمل / عبوری چالان |
| Supplementary Challan | Additional evidence after initial challan | Court must read conjointly with primary report | اضافی چالان |
4. Challan Columns (As per Police Rules)
| Column No. | Content | Significance | اردو |
|---|---|---|---|
| Column No.1 | Accused sent up for trial | Sufficient evidence, will face trial | مجرم |
| Column No.2 (Blue ink) | Accused found innocent / insufficient evidence | Magistrate may still summon | بے قصور |
| Column No.2 (Red ink) | Accused absconding / proclaimed offender | Arrest warrants issued | مفرور |
| Column No.3 | Complainant / informant details | Who lodged the FIR | مدعی |
| Column No.4 | Case property / recovered items | Evidence to be produced in court | مال مقدمہ |
| Column No.5 | List of prosecution witnesses | Witnesses to be examined | گواہ |
| Column No.6 | Summary of evidence collected | Prima facie case assessment | خلاصہ ثبوت |
Important: The Magistrate is not bound by the Investigating Officer's recommendation. Even if accused is placed in Column No.2 (blue ink), the Magistrate can summon them for trial if there is sufficient evidence (PLD 1967 SC 425).
5. Time Limit for Challan Submission – Section 173(1)(b) CrPC
| Timeline | Requirement | Legal Basis | اردو |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | FIR registered | Section 154 CrPC | ایف آئی آر درج |
| Day 1-14 | Investigation period | Section 173(1)(b) | تفتیش کا وقت |
| Day 14 | Challan must be submitted (if complete) | Section 173(1)(b) | چالان جمع کرانا |
| Day 15-17 | Interim challan within 3 days if incomplete | Section 173(1)(b) | عبوری چالان |
| Beyond 17 days | Violation of mandatory provision | PLJ 1995 Cr.C (Kar) 420 | قانونی خلاف ورزی |
6. Court Procedure After Challan Submission
| Step | Action | Legal Basis | اردو |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Challan submitted to Magistrate | Section 173 CrPC | چالان جمع |
| 2 | Magistrate takes cognizance | Section 190 CrPC | عدالت کا نوٹس |
| 3 | Copies of challan supplied to accused | Section 241-A CrPC | کاپیاں فراہم |
| 4 | Accused appears or is produced | As per summons | ملزم کی پیشی |
| 5 | Framing of charge | Section 265-D CrPC | فرد جرم |
| 6 | Commencement of trial | After charge | مقدمہ شروع |
7. Supplementary Challan – Section 173(8) CrPC
If after submitting the initial challan, the police obtains further evidence, they must submit a supplementary report under Section 173(8) CrPC. This report is not distinct from the primary report; it forms an integral continuation of the investigation. The Magistrate must read both reports conjointly before framing charges.
8. Rights of Accused Regarding Challan
📄 Right to copy of challan
Section 241-A CrPC – Free copy must be provided
⚖️ Right to discharge
Section 249-A / 265-K CrPC – If no prima facie case
⏰ Right to challenge delay
If challan delayed beyond 17 days, custody becomes unlawful
🔓 Right to statutory bail
If trial delayed without fault of accused
9. Landmark Case Laws on Challan
| Case Citation | Key Ruling | Source / Reference | اردو |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLD 1967 SC 425 (Falak Sher v. The State) | Magistrate not bound by police report; can summon accused even if placed in Column No.2 of challan. | Pakistan Legal Decisions (PLD), Supreme Court of Pakistan | مجسٹریٹ پولیس رپورٹ کا پابند نہیں |
| PLJ 1995 Cr.C (Kar) 420 (Mooso) | Challan submitted beyond 17 days of arrest violates mandatory provision of Section 173(1)(b) CrPC; unlawful custody vitiates proceedings. | Pakistan Law Journal (PLJ), Karachi High Court | 17 دن کے بعد چالان غیر قانونی |
| 1993 SCMR 550 (Syed Saeed Muhammad Shah) | Challan is not admissible as evidence; presumption of innocence remains intact despite police report. | Supreme Court Monthly Review (SCMR), Supreme Court of Pakistan | چالان ثبوت نہیں، بے قصور کا presumption |
| PLD 2018 Lahore 151 | Investigation must be completed within 14 days; if not, interim report must be submitted within the next 3 days. | Pakistan Legal Decisions (PLD), Lahore High Court | 14 دن میں تفتیش مکمل، ورنہ عبوری رپورٹ |
| 2019 MLD 1139 | Inordinate and unexplained delay of one year and one month in submitting challan is a ground for relief for the accused. | Monthly Law Digest (MLD) | ایک سال ایک ماہ کی غیر معمولی تاخیر پر ریلیف |
Note on Sources: These case citations are derived from authoritative Pakistani legal journals (PLD, SCMR, PLJ, MLD) and have been verified through multiple legal databases and publications.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a challan under section 173 CrPC Pakistan?
A challan is the final police report submitted to the magistrate after investigation, containing evidence collected and the investigating officer's recommendation.
Q2: What is the time limit for submitting challan?
Under Section 173(1)(b) CrPC, challan must be submitted within 14 days from FIR. If investigation incomplete, interim challan within 3 more days (total 17 days).
Q3: What is the difference between positive and negative challan?
Positive challan means sufficient evidence found; accused will face trial. Negative challan means no evidence; accused may be discharged.
Q4: What happens if police does not submit challan on time?
Delayed challan beyond 17 days violates mandatory provision. The accused's custody becomes unlawful and proceedings may be vitiated (PLJ 1995 Cr.C (Kar) 420).
Q5: Is the magistrate bound by the challan recommendation?
No. Under PLD 1967 SC 425, the magistrate is not bound by the police report and can summon accused even if placed in Column No.2.
Q6: What is a supplementary challan?
A supplementary challan under Section 173(8) CrPC is submitted when further evidence is discovered after the initial challan. It must be read conjointly with the primary report.
Q7: Can the accused get a copy of the challan?
Yes. Under Section 241-A CrPC, the accused is entitled to a free copy of the challan and all documents attached to it.
Q8: What does Column No.2 (blue ink) mean?
It means the investigating officer found insufficient evidence, but the magistrate can still summon the accused if he disagrees.
Q9: What is the difference between challan and charge sheet?
In Pakistan, "challan" and "charge sheet" are often used interchangeably; both refer to the police final report under Section 173 CrPC.
Q10: What happens after challan is accepted by court?
After accepting the challan, the court takes cognizance, supplies copies to accused, frames charge, and begins trial.
11. Expert Opinion
Mr. Atta Ullah Baloch
Advocate High Court | 25 Years Experience | Criminal Procedure Specialist
"In my 25 years of practice, the most critical mistake lawyers make is ignoring the time limit for challan under section 173 CrPC Pakistan. If the police fails to submit challan within 14+3 days, the accused's custody becomes unlawful. I have successfully obtained statutory bail for numerous clients on this ground alone. Also, many young lawyers do not know that the magistrate is not bound by the investigating officer's column classification. Even if the accused is placed in Column No.2 (blue ink), the magistrate can still summon them. Always challenge the challan if there are procedural defects or unexplained delay."
📞 Contact: 03334966756
🏢 Office: Baloch Law Chamber, Near Major Chowk, Mastung | Room No. 6, Universal Plaza, Quetta
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12. Conclusion
Understanding the challan under section 173 CrPC Pakistan is essential for navigating the criminal justice system. From its timely submission to the types of challan and the court procedure that follows, every aspect affects the rights of the accused. Remember: the challan is not evidence, and the magistrate has independent power to assess the case. If you or a loved one is facing criminal proceedings, consult a qualified criminal lawyer immediately to examine the challan and protect your rights.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
یہ مضمون صرف معلومات کے لیے ہے۔ یہ قانونی مشورہ نہیں ہے۔ ہر کیس مختلف ہے۔ اپنے کیس کے لیے کسی مستند وکیل سے مشورہ کریں۔