Forensic Medicine: Inquest Procedures
Legal Inquiry into Suspicious Deaths
An inquest is a legal inquiry into the cause of an unnatural, sudden, or suspicious death. It is an inquiry held by a government official to determine the identity of the deceased, the time, place, and cause of death, and the circumstances surrounding it.
1. Types of Inquest in India
- Police Inquest: Conducted by an officer in charge of a police station (under Section 174 CrPC). The most common form in India.
- Magistrate Inquest: Conducted by a District or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (or specially empowered Executive Magistrate) in cases of deaths in police custody, prison, or dowry deaths (under Section 176 CrPC).
- Coroner’s Inquest: Conducted by a specialized legal/medical officer (Coroner). Note: This has been abolished in most parts of India (including Mumbai, the last remaining jurisdiction).
2. Comparison Table
| Feature | Police Inquest | Magistrate Inquest |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Authority | Section 174 CrPC | Section 176 CrPC |
| Conducted By | Police Officer | Magistrate |
| Typical Cases | Suicide, accident, homicide | Custodial death, dowry death |
3. NEET PG High-Yield Pearls
- Panchnama: A document prepared during the inquest involving two or more witnesses (Panchas) who observe the body and scene.
- Autopsy Requirement: If the inquest reveals suspicion of foul play or an unnatural cause, the body must be sent for a medico-legal autopsy (post-mortem examination).
- Mandatory Magistrate Inquest: Any death occurring within 7 years of marriage involving allegations of cruelty (dowry death) or any death in police/judicial custody strictly mandates a Magistrate Inquest.