To whom must the medical report be forwarded after the examination?

Under Section 53-A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898, after a medical examination of an accused in cases related to sexual offences under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the medical report must be forwarded to the Investigating Officer (IO). This step ensures that the officer responsible for the investigation receives the report in a timely and proper manner, allowing them to include it in the investigation file and prepare it for subsequent legal proceedings.

Forwarding the report to the Investigating Officer rather than directly to the court maintains the chain of custody and procedural integrity. The IO can verify the report, note key findings, and incorporate it as part of the overall evidence collected during the investigation. This system also ensures that the report is handled responsibly and legally, avoiding any possibility of tampering or misplacement.

The Investigating Officer then submits the report to the Public Prosecutor, who forwards it to the Magistrate, following the proper legal protocol. This stepwise process is essential for maintaining transparency, protecting the rights of all parties involved, and ensuring that the judicial process is based on accurate, documented evidence.

Key Facts:

• Relevant Law: Section 53-A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898


• Responsible Authority: Investigating Officer receives the medical report first.


• Purpose: Ensures proper inclusion of medical findings in the investigation.


• Chain of Submission: Medical Practitioner → Investigating Officer → Public Prosecutor → Magistrate.


• Significance: Maintains evidence integrity and procedural compliance.


• Applicable Cases: Sexual offences under Sections 376, 377, and 377-B PPC.


• Nature: Procedural safeguard to support accurate criminal investigation.