When Can Magistrate Order Investigation U/S 156(3): J&K HC Orders Training For All Magistrates In J&K, Ladakh UTs

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court on Monday ruled that once a Magistrate takes cognizance of an offence, he is, thereafter, precluded from ordering an investigation under Section 156(3) of the Code. While taking serious note of the abuse of process of law by a Judicial Magistrate Ist Class, the bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey also directed the Director, Judicial Academy to arrange the training session on the subject for all the Magistrates in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh in phased manner.