The Bombay High Court raised serious concerns over the continued use of “Charge Half Sheets” by police officers during criminal investigations. A Division Bench of Justices A.S. Gadkari and Rajesh S. Patil was hearing a writ petition which was withdrawn by the petitioners with liberty to file for discharge before the trial court. However, the Bench took judicial notice of an annexed document labeled “Charge Half Sheet” filed before the trial court, a practice found to be alien to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The Court observed that the “Charge Half Sheet” — a nomenclature not recognized under any statutory framework — appears to be used by Investigating Officers to evade statutory deadlines for completing investigations and filing chargesheets. The Bench noted with disapproval that such documents are still being filed and retained in court records despite repeated judicial censure.
The Court referred to several past instances where similar concerns had been raised. Also cited, Criminal Bail Application No. 2936 of 2017, in which a Single Judge had ruled in 2018 that
Half sheets are filed instead of charge-sheets only to defeat the limitation period for completion of investigation. “Half Sheets” are not contemplated by any statutory provision or procedural rules
In response to the Court’s observations, the Additional Public Prosecutor, on instructions from senior police officers present in court, assured that the Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra, will file a detailed affidavit within two weeks from the date of the order. This affidavit is expected to clarify the legal basis if any under which “Charge Half Sheets” have been filed in courts across Maharashtra.
The matter is now listed for further directions on July 15, 2025, with the Court expected to evaluate the DGP’s response.
Editorial Note:
The case may potentially influence police procedural reforms statewide and reinforce judicial scrutiny over investigative practices that lack statutory backing.
Advocates appearing in the case:
Mr. Nilesh Navale for Petitioners.
Ms. M.M. Deshmukh, A.P.P. for Respondent No.1-State.
Mr. Vijay Kharat, Asst. IGP Dakshata, DGP Office and Mr. Atul Zende, DCP Zone-3, Thane City, present.
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