Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 — Section 161: Examination of witnesses by police

161. Examination of witnesses by police.__ (1) Any police-officer making an investigation under this Chapter 3[or any police-officer not below such rank as the 2[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, prescribe in this behalf, acting on the requisition of such officer] may examine orally any person supposed to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case

(2)Such person shall be bound to answer all questions relating to such case put to him by such officer, other than questions the answers to which would have a tendency to expose him to a criminal charge or to a penalty or forfeiture. 1 [(3) The police-officer may reduce into writing any statement made to him in the course of an examination under this section, and if he does so he shall make a separate record of the statement, of each such person whose statement he records.] 2 [161A. Legal representation of victim of rape, etc.__ (1) Where an offence under section 354A, section 376, section 377 or section 377B of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860) has been committed or attempted to be committed, the police officer after recording the information under section 154 shall inform the victim, against whom such offences have been committed or attempted to be committed, of his right to legal representation.

(2)If the victim under sub-section (1) requires free legal aid the police officer shall provide him the list of lawyers maintained by the Provincial Bar Councils for this purpose.]