BNSS Section 178-Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry

The Magistrate, on receiving a report under section 176, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Sanhita.

[Old Corresponding Section: Section 159 of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973]