How to Get a Copy of the Chargesheet in Odisha: Accused's Complete Guide
An accused person in Odisha has a legal right to a free copy of the chargesheet under Section 230 BNSS once it is filed in court. The magistrate must supply the chargesheet along with witness statements and relied-upon documents at no cost, and any unreasonable delay can be challenged through a formal court application.
By Advocate Debarchana Samal · 30 July 2026 · 7 min read
What is a Chargesheet and Why It Matters
A chargesheet, formally called the final report or police report, is the document filed by the investigating officer before the magistrate at the conclusion of investigation under Section 193 BNSS (formerly Section 173 CrPC). It sets out the offences the police believe are made out against the accused, lists the witnesses examined, and attaches supporting material such as seizure memos, medical reports, and forensic findings. The chargesheet is the foundation of the trial — once it is filed, the court examines it to decide whether to take cognisance of the offence and proceed to frame charges. For the accused, obtaining this document is the single most important step in understanding the exact case they must answer.
Your Right to a Free Copy Under Section 230 BNSS
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain the Chargesheet Copy
Confirm the chargesheet has been filed
Ask your lawyer to check the court's case status, or track it on the Odisha e-Courts portal, to confirm the investigating officer has filed the final report before the jurisdictional magistrate.
Appear before the court or authorise your lawyer
The accused or their advocate must appear before the magistrate once the chargesheet is filed, so the court can take the case on file and consider whether to take cognisance.
File an application for supply of copy
Your lawyer submits a formal application requesting free supply of the chargesheet and all annexed documents under Section 230 BNSS, if the copy is not automatically furnished.
Collect the copy from the court reader or copying section
Once the magistrate directs supply, the certified copy is made available through the court reader or the copying section, typically within a few days of the application.
Review the chargesheet thoroughly with your lawyer
Go through every page with your lawyer — witness statements, seizure lists, forensic reports — to spot contradictions, procedural lapses, and points that can support bail, discharge, or a strong trial defence.
What If the Chargesheet Is Not Filed in Time?
The BNSS prescribes strict investigation timelines. Ordinarily, the police must file the chargesheet within 60 days for offences punishable with imprisonment below 10 years, and within 90 days for graver offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of 10 years or more. If this period expires without a chargesheet being filed, an accused in custody becomes entitled to default (statutory) bail under Section 187(3) BNSS, provided they apply for it before the chargesheet is actually filed. This makes tracking the chargesheet filing date just as important as obtaining the copy itself.
Critical warning: Do not rely on an informal or unofficial copy of the chargesheet shared by a third party. Always obtain the certified copy through the court, and have your lawyer verify it against the case record — this is the only version that can be relied upon in bail applications, discharge petitions, and at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the chargesheet copy given free of cost to the accused?
Yes. Under Section 230 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (corresponding to the earlier Section 207 CrPC), the court must furnish the accused with a free copy of the chargesheet along with the FIR, witness statements recorded under Section 161/180, statements under Section 164/183, and other documents the prosecution relies upon. No fee can be charged for this copy.
How long after arrest or FIR does the chargesheet get filed in Odisha?
Police in Odisha are generally required to file the chargesheet within 60 or 90 days depending on the severity of the offence (60 days for offences punishable up to 10 years, 90 days for offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or 10 years and above). If this period lapses without a chargesheet, the accused becomes entitled to default bail under Section 187(3) BNSS.
What if the police or court delays giving me the chargesheet copy?
If there is unreasonable delay, your lawyer can file a formal application before the magistrate requesting immediate supply of the copy, citing your statutory right under Section 230 BNSS. Persistent delay can also be raised before the Sessions Court or Odisha High Court, especially where it is affecting your ability to seek bail or prepare your defence.
Can I get the chargesheet copy online through Odisha e-Courts?
Case status and order details are often available on the Odisha e-Courts portal, but the certified chargesheet copy with annexed documents is typically collected physically from the court's copying section or supplied by the reader once the magistrate directs it. Your lawyer can track the case status online and coordinate physical collection.
Why is reviewing the chargesheet important for my defence?
The chargesheet reveals the entire case the prosecution intends to build against you, including witness statements, seizure lists, and forensic findings. A careful review by your lawyer identifies inconsistencies, procedural lapses, and weak links in the evidence, which form the basis for bail applications, discharge petitions, or trial strategy.
Need Help Obtaining or Reviewing Your Chargesheet?
Advocate Debarchana Samal, Cuttack, Odisha, assists accused persons in obtaining chargesheet copies promptly and reviewing them thoroughly to build a strong defence strategy. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for advice specific to your situation.
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