SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 16

Solution: The correct answer is An offence for which a police officer can arrest without a warrant.

Explanation:
☛ Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a “cognizable offence” is defined under Section 2(1)(g).
☛ It refers to an offence for which a police officer may, in accordance with the First Schedule or under any other law in force, arrest without a warrant.
☛ In cognizable cases, the police have the authority to initiate an investigation and register a First Information Report (FIR) without requiring prior permission from a Magistrate.
☛ These offences are generally of a more serious nature, such as murder, rape, theft, and kidnapping.

Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Non-cognizable offence: Defined under Section 2(1)(o) of BNSS, 2023, where a police officer has no authority to arrest without a warrant and cannot investigate without an order from a Magistrate.
☛ The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the colonial-era Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
☛ The BNSS along with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) came into effect on 1 July 2024.
☛ Bailable offence: Defined under Section 2(1)(a) of BNSS, 2023, which is shown as bailable in the First Schedule or made bailable by any other law.

Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which law was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023? → Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC)
☛ On which date did the three new criminal laws come into force in India? → 1 July 2024
☛ Which section of BNSS, 2023 defines a "non-cognizable offence"? → Section 2(1)(o)
☛ Under which section of BNSS, 2023 is the provision for Zero FIR formally introduced? → Section 173
☛ What is the minimum rank of a police officer who can conduct preliminary enquiry before registering an FIR in certain cases? → Deputy Superintendent of Police (or as specified by State)