Cognizable offence means an offence wherein a police officer has the authority to make an arrest without a warrant. It covers serious offences. Some of the Cognizable Offences under Indian Penal Code are: Rape, Murder, Theft, Rioting, etc.
On 12 November 2013, the Honorable Supreme Court of India said it was mandatory for the police to register a First Information Report for all complaints in which cognizable offence has been discovered. Read More
Whereas, Non Cognizable Offence means an offence for which a police officer has no authority to make an arrest without a warrant.
Non-Cognizable Offences cover offences which are relatively less serious such as Public Nuisance, Causing Simple Hurt, Assault, Mischief, etc.