What Is The Full Form Of GDE In Law?

GDE full form in law is General Diary Entry. It’s one of the important records maintained at the police station within the rules of law managing work by the police in different states. Starting from Section 44 of the Police Act of 1861, the GDE acts as a daily log at a police station. It includes all complaints and accusations made, names of arrested people, complainants, crimes with which they were charged, and items or weapons seized. Again, the GDE records all important events that take place in the stations, including staff changes, visits by high-ranking officers, and other major happenings.

Legal Implications and Usage:

The General Diary is kept serially day-to-day, starting over each morning. It is a non-statutory requirement, which means keeping it as a routine practice based on department rules and not laws. Although the GDE, on its own, does not initiate criminal cases, it assists in the enforcement of the law by recording initial reports and details that may lead to serious actions, making a First Information Report (FIR) when information shows a serious crime. While this diary gives an appearance in the first instance that can be used in legal cases or investigations, it does not have the legal power of an FIR, required to register a formal investigation.