Charge and Charge-sheet. Sounds similar, eh? These two may be synonymous in common usage but they hold two distinct meanings in Criminal Law. Let’s have a look at the basic differences between the two terms:
- A Charge is a formal document stating the offence committed by the accused, while, a Charge-sheet is a report submitted by a police officer.
- Charge is framed by the Magistrate looking into the case. Charge-sheet is framed by the police.
- From the above mentioned points, it may be gathered that charge is judicial in nature whereas charge-sheet is non-judicial in nature.
- Charge is always framed after inquiry. Charge-sheet is framed only after investigation of the case.
- Charge is thus, followed by trial and charge-sheet is followed by inquiry.