178. The Magistrate, on receiving a report under section 176, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Sanhita.
Section 178 BNSS — Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry
For research. Check the official gazette and later amendments before citing a section.