“The word ‘Panchnama’ is nowhere stated in the Code, but it can be construed from the language of certain provisions under the code. Sections 100 and 174 of the code mandate the presence of respectable persons as witnesses at the time of search and investigation respectively.
Panchnama is a document having legal bearings which records evidence and findings that an officer makes at the scene of an offence/crime. However, it is not only the recordings of the scene of crime but also of anywhere else which may be related to the crime/offence and from where incriminating evidence is likely to be collected. The document so prepared needs to be signed by the investigating officer who prepares the same and at least by two independent and impartial witnesses called ‘Panchas’, as also by the concerned party.”