The term ‘taking cognizance’ has not been defined in the Code of Criminal Procedure. When any Magistrate takes cognizance under section 190 (1) (a) Cr.P.C., he must not only have applied his mind to the contents of the petition, but he must have done so for the purpose of proceeding in a particular way as per the procedure prescribed in the Cr.P.C., and thereafter sending the complaint for further inquiry. A magistrate can also order investigations under section 156(3) of Cr.P.C.