Role of Police in Cognizable Offences and Non-Cognizable Offences By Shagun Mahendroo What is the difference between a cognizable and a non-cognizable crime? A cognizable offence is one in which the police take cognizance of a crime on their own initiative and without the requirement for court approval. In non-cognizable, police have no jurisdiction to arrest a person for a crime without first obtaining judicial consent. The police can arrest someone without a warrant if they are cognizable. In the case of a non-cognizable offence, a warrant is required for arrest. A court order is not required to begin an investigation in cognizable. In the case of a non-cognizable offence, however, a court order is required before an inquiry can begin. Major crimes that are cognizable are the most serious, whereas non-cognizable offences are less serious. Murder, rape, theft, kidnapping, counterfeiting, and other crimes are all considered cognizable. Non-cognizable offences, on the other hand, incl