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Jun 24, 20233 min read

What Happens After A Police Charge Sheet Is Filed?

The police present a charge sheet to the magistrate after conducting their investigation and being certain that the defendant is guilty. If, following the filing of the first First Information Report, the officer in charge of the police station where it was filed considers there is sufficient evidence or justifiable grounds to conduct an investigation, it is permissible to make an arrest and send a report to the Magistrate in accordance with Section 170 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Additionally, this section requests that the accused be sent to the Magistrate for further action.


The investigating office will draft a charge sheet after looking into the connected offense, and the officer-in-charge will then submit the report to the court. The court will consider the complete situation before issuing a summons or a warrant. An official notice that an appearance in court is required is known as a summons.

After the police file a charge sheet, the legal process moves through different steps based on the jurisdiction and legal system in place. The general procedures that usually occur once a charge sheet is filed are as follows:


1. Chargesheet preparation and filing: Following the conclusion of their investigation into a criminal matter, the police or other investigative agency will draft a charge sheet. It includes information on the alleged offense, the evidence gathered, and the names of those accused. The proper court is subsequently served with the charge sheet.

2. Preliminary Hearing: The court examines the charge sheet to make sure it complies with the law. The court may ask for additional information or evidence if any flaws are discovered. The court moves forward with the case if the chargesheet is accepted as sufficient.

3. Charges: The court looks over the charge sheet and weighs the available evidence. The court decides which charges, if any, should be formally brought against the accused based on this evaluation. The accusations against the accused are disclosed to them.

4. Plea Bargaining (optional): In certain legal systems, the prosecution and the accused may negotiate a sentence or reduced charges in exchange for the accused's guilty plea. Depending on the jurisdiction, this step may or may not be taken.

5. Trial: The proper court opens the trial. The defense and the prosecution both make their cases, question witnesses, and present evidence. The evidence is weighed by the court, which then determines whether the accused is guilty or innocent.

6. Verdict: The court issues its decision after hearing all the arguments and weighing the facts. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will impose the punishment. The accused will be released and acquitted if found not guilty.

7. Appeal: If the prosecution or defense are unhappy with the outcome, they may decide to take their case to a higher court. The case is examined by the higher court for potential legal or procedural problems. If any are discovered, the higher court may mandate a new trial or change the previous judgment.


A charge sheet may be revoked by the High Court in accordance with Section 483 of the Code of Criminal Procedures, 1973. According to this clause, the court has the inherent power to create any court that may be necessary to preserve the interests of justice and avoid abuse of power. The following are the reasons for reversing a charge sheet: when the plaintiff's FIR against the offender is rejected by the court as having merit.


When the F.I.R. is rife with false charges and the court is pleased with the outcome of the case, it indicates that the purpose of the false information was to exact revenge, do harm to the accused, or discredit the accused. When an F.I.R. that does not relate to a cognizable offense is filed without the magistrate's authorization in line with Section 155 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The provision for which the accused was charged did not apply to them, as was later made clear by the charge sheet for which the court issued the summons.


If the charge sheet is filed in Chandigarh, then criminal lawyers in Chandigarh may be appointed. Likewise, if the charge sheet has been filed in Surat, then criminal lawyers in Surat may be appointed. Moreover, criminal lawyers in Kanpur may also be appointed if the charge sheet is filed in Surat.


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