A cognizable offense allows the police to what without a warrant?

• A. Arrest without a warrant and to start an investigation without magistrate's prior permission.
• B. Arrest only with a warrant.
• C. Interrogate suspects at will.
• D. Proceed to trial without charges.

Answer: (A)

A cognizable offense is one for which the law gives the police strong, immediate powers: they can arrest without a warrant and can start an investigation without needing prior permission from a magistrate. This allows swift action to prevent escape, tampering with evidence, or continuing the offense. That’s why the correct idea is that the police may arrest without a warrant and begin an investigation without magistrate’s prior permission. Interrogating suspects at will and moving straight to trial without charges don’t fit, as due process and formal procedures still govern those steps.