Question

When a complaint is presented before a Magistrate and the Magistrate proceeds to examine the complaint and witnesses, the Magistrate is said to be conducting

• A. Inquiry
• B. Investigation
• C. Trial
• D. Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the legal framework, a Magistrate plays a critical role in the administration of justice. When a complaint is filed, the Magistrate has specific responsibilities and procedures to follow. In this context, understanding the correct terminology for the Magistrate's actions is essential. Let's examine the situation:

1. Complaint Received: A complaint is formally presented to the Magistrate.
2. Examination by Magistrate: Upon receiving the complaint, the Magistrate examines the content of the complaint along with any witnesses presented.
3. Nature of the Process: This examination is not a full-fledged trial but a preliminary step to determine if there is sufficient basis to proceed with further legal action.
4. Terminology: When the Magistrate examines the complaint and witnesses at this stage, it is categorized as an "Inquiry".

The options presented are:

• Inquiry
• Investigation
• Trial
• Both (a) and (b)

Conclusion: The correct term for the Magistrate's action in this scenario is an "Inquiry".