Misuse of Section 164 Cr.P.C. — Clearing a Dangerous Legal Myth

In recent years, several websites and even some practitioners have promoted the idea that a person may walk into a Magistrate’s court and obtain a statement under Section 164 Cr.P.C. without any criminal case. This is legally incorrect.

Section 164 is not an independent provision; it is procedurally dependent on the existence of an investigation. The words “in the course of an investigation” are not ornamental — they are jurisdictional limits.

Without an FIR or lawful investigative authority, there is no investigation in existence. Consequently, the Magistrate has no authority to act under Section 164. Any contrary practice undermines criminal procedure and exposes citizens to false confidence.

Courts have consistently emphasized that criminal law cannot be expanded through convenience or practice. The safeguard lies in strict adherence to statutory boundaries.

Five Key Legal Facts

• Section 164 is investigation-linked, not standalone
  
• FIR is the foundation of criminal investigation
  
• Magistrates cannot assume investigative jurisdiction
  
• “Protective 164 statements” have no legal basis
  
• Procedural misuse weakens criminal justice
  

اردو نکات

دفعہ 164 خودمختار قانون نہیں

تفتیش کے بغیر بیان ممکن نہیں

مجسٹریٹ پولیس کے اختیارات نہیں لے سکتا

حفاظتی بیان کا کوئی تصور نہیں

غلط استعمال عوام کو نقصان پہنچاتا ہے