The following are four main points of difference between investigation and trial:
(i) A trial starts after an investigation is over. In other words, the former is founded on the latter.
(ii) A trial is judicial, whereas an investigation is an administrative process.
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(iii) The functions of the judiciary (trial) and those of the police (investigation) are complementary, and not overlapping.
(iv) The statutory right of the Police (under Chapter XII of the Code) to investigate cognizable offences without any authority from a Magistrate cannot be interfered with, by exercising the power under S. 401 or S. 402 of the Code.