Question

There are Non Seizable and Seizable Offences in criminal cases. Explain the differences

between them and provide the example of the offences.

Answer 1

Non seizable offences are offences that are punishable with a fine only.

If you are suspected of an offence which is punishable with a fine only that is, a non-seizable offence, the police cannot arrest you without a warrant. Non-seizable offences are usually crimes that carry a punishment less than 3 years. An example of such a crime would be assault under Section 357 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment of up to 1 year imprisonment.

On the other hand, a seizable offence is an offence in which a police officer ordinarily arrests without a warrant according to the third column of the first schedule of the CPC. These are offences punishable with death or offences punishable with imprisonment for three years and above.