Explanation:

Let's go through the statements and options:

- I. Offence

- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) empowers courts to take "cognizance of an offence," not individuals. This means the court recognizes that a particular offence has been committed and decides to proceed with judicial processes.

- II. Accused

- Courts do not take cognizance of the accused person but of the crime/offence.

- III. Witnesses

- Cognizance is never about the witnesses; they are only relevant during the trial as supporting evidence.

- IV. Offenders

- The term "offender" refers to the person who committed the crime, but cognizance under CrPC is strictly about the offence itself, not the person.

Correct Option:

Option 1: Only I

- Courts take cognizance only of offences, not individuals.