JURISDICTION, COGNIZANCE AND PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION

The word “Jural” means “Legal” or pertaining to rights and obligations. “Jurisdiction” is a derivative which primarily means the authority to embark upon an inquiry. It also could denote compliance with the provisions of Law . The expression “jurisdiction” or the power to determine is a verbal coat of many colours. It is also construed as a “legal shelter”- a power to blind despite a possible error in the decision. In the context of Police Investigation, the word signifies the initial authority to take cognizance of a case. For all practical purposes, “jurisdiction” is central to the science of law called the “legal jurisprudence”. There could be issues like subject matter jurisdiction; territorial jurisdiction; pecuniary jurisdiction; original jurisdiction, concurrent jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction.

The point of “jurisdiction” arises in criminal investigations wherein law-enforcement agencies have two types of jurisdictions. The first is “original jurisdiction” which actually means the geographical limits notified for offences committed within the area as also the specified offences. The second is “concurrent jurisdiction” which means that certain types of offences, even if committed within original jurisdiction of local police, can also be investigated by another law- enforcement agency which would enjoy concurrent jurisdiction. Professional Private Investigators must know about these issues so as not to encroach upon jurisdiction of law-enforcement agencies in the matter of right, power or authority of Police to originally inquire into subjects wherein the Law of the Land prescribes, directs or authorizes only the Police to take cognizance of the matter.

In the Indian Context “Cognizable Offence” is an offence for which, and “cognizable case” means a case in which a police officer may arrest without warrant. In the same context “non-cognizable offence” means an offence for which, and “non-cognizable case” means a case in which, a Police Officer has no authority to arrest without warrant. Thus the word “cognizable” only qualifies the power to arrest or the absence thereof. For the “Professional Investigator” the meaning of the word “cognizance” is “the exercise of jurisdiction” or “power to try and determine causes” by Police or judiciary. In common parlance it means “taking notice of”. In other words “cognizable” for Police should mean “non-cognizable” by Professional Private Investigators, because it actually means perceptible, recognizable, clearly identifiable offence as basically actionable by Police and Judiciary. Thus the Professional Investigator should have knowledge and understanding that the Police (or any other law enforcement agency) have the first right to take official note of, look into, inquire or investigate the matter which is an offence under any penal law in force.

STATUS, RIGHT AND ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATOR

The role of Professional Investigator starts only when his services are “hired” by someone (victim, suspect or their representative) to ascertain real facts of the matter. The role would, therefore, be non-interfering with Police Investigation. There is nothing like “suo-motto” (automatic) jurisdiction of Professional Investigator. On his own, he cannot take cognizance of an offence. In real sense he has no “locus standi” to investigate a criminal case.

But Professional investigator, as an ordinary person also enjoys status, right and credibility in the eyes of law. For earning that status, right or credibility he must qualify the parameters prescribed in the Law. Lack of knowledge of these issues is the main reason for most of us to fail in discharging our duties as service provider to the society. Having understood the concepts of jurisdiction and cognizance, we must concentrate on provisions of the Evidence Act which covers every aspect required for acceptance of evidence, rejection thereof and reliance thereon to arrive at the judgement.

It is in view of the provisions of this Act that a Professional Investigator can create a status, earn a right and carve his role as service provider to the society. Professional Investigator must understand that he is a potential witness and he can give evidence of facts in issue and relevant facts. The definition of “fact” means and includes, anything, state of things, or relation of things capable of being perceived by senses and any medical condition of which any person is conscious. A witness can perceive a fact by his senses i.e. if he has seen a thing from his own eyes, has heard a thing and has otherwise perceived any fact. But the fact has to be relevant to the issues in question as provided in  the Evidence Act. A fact is said to be relevant to another when it is connected with another fact. And “facts in issue” mean and include any fact from which, either by itself or in connection with other facts, the existence /non-existence/nature or extent of any right, liability or disability, asserted or denied in any suit or proceeding is established. A Professional Investigator can thus tender evidence which means and includes, statement which the court permits or requires to be made before it by witness, in relation to matters of fact under inquiry. Such statements are called oral evidence. Likewise documentary evidence can be tendered in support of oral evidence. Document means any matter expressed or described upon any substance (paper, stone etc.) by means of letters, figures or marks, intended to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter. Writing is a document. Map, plan or photograph is a document.  An inscription on a metal plate (name plate/ address) or on stone is a document. Evidence can also be tendered by a witness (investigator) of facts which, though not in issue, are so connected with a fact in issue as to form part of the same transaction irrespective, whether they occurred at the same time and place or at different times and places.

Professional Investigator can be a “natural witness”  or a “chance witness” if he happens to be present when any event is taking place. Care has to be taken that he is not treated as “interested witness” because his services were hired or paid for (to win him over) and he became a witness to the happening on the say so of his client. He must, therefore, assume the role of independent witness who chanced upon to be present on the spot. Oral evidence must be direct meaning that the person who saw, heard or perceived is deposing himself and it is not hearsay of others.

Only primary evidence is adducible in evidence. Secondary evidences are certified copies, copies made from the original by mechanical processes, copies made from and compared with the original etc. It can be made admissible when primary evidence is not available. Primary evidence has more weightage than secondary evidence for reliability. Yet another important provision is about opinions of Experts. When the court has to form an opinion upon a point of foreign law, or of science and art, or as to identity of handwriting or finger impressions, the opinion upon that point of persons “specially skilled” in such foreign law, science or art, or on questions as to identity of handwriting or finger impression become relevant fact. Such persons are called experts. Thus there are persons who are especially skilled in forensic sciences and are therefore treated as experts in their respective fields of handwriting, finger impressions, fire arms, medicine and toxicology etc. Their evidence to corroborate oral evidence of eye witness becomes relevant and is admissible. For that matter examinations by Chartered Accountants, Bankers etc. and their certification becomes trust worthy and relevant to prove facts in issue. Private Investigators are not treated as experts in India. Reason is that they are neither empowered nor regulated as professionals. They are also not “specially skilled”. As on today, Private Investigator definitely enjoys the status of a trustworthy witness if he abides by all legalities in collecting evidence and presenting them in correct perspective as eye witness. Eye witness’s testimony is given more weightage vis-à-vis the opinion of an Expert.

PITCH FOR PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS VS. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Professional Investigation is like the game of cricket.  Investigator is the batsman at the crease facing the onslaught. He should consider the opposite team as represented by Police Officers and law-enforcement agents of the Government. The Bowler could “bounce” a “fast” one on you or “spin” a web of tricks. You have to play within the popping crease and steal runs too. If you step out, you could be “stumped” or declared “run out” (of clients). Stumps are your clients. If they are touched (by Law enforcement agencies) you are out (of the profession). If you are caught, you are out (of contention). The law enforcement agents have “long legs”, “short legs” in addition to “long arms”. They are also “silly” in point of view. They are there if you “slip” a catch to them. You may “cover” your “drive” but they are there to stop you. If nothing definite happens all the eleven players (of law enforcement agencies) would shout “how is that”- questioning every move of yours. And you should know that the two Umpires are the Judges. They tend to agree with the appealing Policemen. They would easily “oust” you from the field (of investigation). You can appeal to the “third umpire” (High Court) but it takes time to arrive at the decision. And most likely you would not be “called back” to bat again (practice the profession). That does not mean that you should be so “defensive” that you hit (your own) wicket and get out. Play within the crease (four corners of law) and hit boundaries or sixes to score over the heads of your opponents. Use straight bat, hit square and you can “steal” runs if you run fast. You can always outscore (outwit) the opponents and win. But do it as per rules of the game.