A medical officer is conducting a postmortem examination of a 35-year-old woman who was found dead in her home with alleged dowry harassment. The magistrate orders an inquest. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which section governs the procedure for investigation and inquest into cases of dowry death?
- A Section 174
- B Section 176 ✓
- C Section 198
- D Section 202
Correct answer: B. Section 176
Explanation
BNSS Section 176 (replacing CrPC Section 176) governs inquiry by a Magistrate into the cause of death. This applies in cases where a person dies or disappears, or when the case involves a woman dying within 7 years of marriage under suspicious circumstances (dowry death inquiry). Section 174 deals with police inquiry into causes of unnatural death. Section 198 and 202 deal with cognizance of offence and postponement of issue of process respectively.
Reference: Reddy K. S. Narayana - Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 37th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.