What is a Charge Sheet?

A charge sheet is a formal report filed by the police after completing a criminal investigation. It sets out the allegations, details of the accused, and the evidence collected.

The charge sheet is filed before the jurisdictional court under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Court takes note of the report to decide whether the case should proceed to trial.

The Court observed that a charge sheet shows the investigation is complete and that sufficient material exists to prosecute the accused. It enables the Court to take cognizance and move the case forward.

If the police fail to file it within the prescribed time, the accused may seek default bail.