22/04/2026
⚖️ Navigating the 10 Types of Challans in Criminal Practice
At "Habib & Habib Law Associates", we believe in empowering our clients and fellow practitioners with legal clarity. Here is a breakdown of the various reports submitted by the police to the Magistrate:
1. Complete Challan
Submitted when the investigation is fully concluded within the mandatory 14-day period. It includes the final report, list of witnesses, and evidence against all accused.
2. Incomplete Challan
Filed when the investigation cannot be finished within 14 days, often due to pending forensic reports or absconding accused. The court may take cognizance, but further investigation is implied.
3. Interim Challan
A common practice to meet legal deadlines (14+3 days). It justifies the detention of an accused while the final investigation is still ongoing.
4. Subsequent Challan
Filed when a superior officer orders a fresh inquiry or if there is a change in the Investigating Officer (IO) due to a faulty initial investigation.
5. Abate/Abatement Challan
Informs the court that one or more accused individuals have passed away during the investigation. Proceedings against the deceased are subsequently dropped.
6. Untraced Challan (A-Class)
Submitted when the offense is confirmed to be true, but the police are unable to identify or find the accused. The case is "shelved" but can be reopened if new leads emerge.
7. Cancellation Challan (B-Class)
A report filed when the investigation reveals the FIR was lodged maliciously, by mistake, or is non-cognizable. This seeks the formal cancellation of the FIR.
8. Supplementary Challan
A report filed after the main challan has been submitted, usually because new evidence or witnesses have surfaced or a new person has been implicated.
9. Positive Challan
A report where the police conclude that the accused is guilty based on the evidence collected and recommend they be sent for trial.
10. Negative Challan (Discharge Report)
Recommends the discharge of the accused (placed in Column 2) because no 'prima facie' case is found.
Note: This information is subjected to statutory interpretation.