Consider the following statements with regard to search under the Code

Consider the following statements with regard to search under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973:

  • 1. A search warrant remains in force until cancelled by the court issuing it or the same is executed.
  • 2. A search warrant cannot be executed at any place if the place concerned falls outside the jurisdiction of the court issuing it.
  • 3. A search warrant may be issued by the District Magistrate for search of a person who has been confined where such confinement amounts to an offence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
2 and 3
1 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
The correct answer is D as statements 1 and 3 are correct regarding search warrants under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, while statement 2 is incorrect.
– Statement 1: A search warrant remains in force until it is executed or cancelled by the Court which issued it. This is a general principle applicable to warrants under CrPC (similar to warrant of arrest under Section 70(2)). Unless a specific period is mentioned in the warrant or the relevant section, it remains valid until served or withdrawn.
– Statement 2: While a search warrant is usually issued by a Magistrate having jurisdiction over the place to be searched, CrPC contains provisions for execution of search warrants outside the local limits of the issuing court’s jurisdiction. For example, Section 101 allows a Magistrate issuing a search warrant for execution outside his local jurisdiction to forward it to a Magistrate or police officer within whose jurisdiction the place is located, for execution or endorsement. Specific sections like 95 (objectionable publications) and 98 (persons wrongfully confined) also allow warrants to be executed anywhere in India, with appropriate procedures for transmission/execution. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
– Statement 3: Section 97 of CrPC allows a search warrant to be issued for a person confined under circumstances amounting to an offence. This power is given to Magistrates of the first class or Sub-divisional Magistrates. Additionally, Section 98 empowers a District Magistrate or Chief Judicial Magistrate to issue a search warrant for a woman or female minor suspected to be kidnapped or abducted, which is a specific type of wrongful confinement amounting to an offence. Therefore, a District Magistrate *can* issue a search warrant for search of a person confined where such confinement amounts to an offence, specifically under Section 98.
Search warrants are issued by courts to authorize police officers to search a specified place for specified things or persons. They are crucial tools in investigation and legal proceedings for gathering evidence or locating individuals. The rules governing their issuance and execution balance the needs of law enforcement with the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.