Rights During Arrest

Your Rights

• ✓You must be informed of the grounds of your arrest in a language you understand.
• ✓You have the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of your choice.
• ✓You must be produced before the nearest Magistrate within twenty-four hours of arrest, excluding travel time.
• ✓Police cannot detain you beyond twenty-four hours without an order from a Magistrate.
• ✓You have the right to inform a relative, friend, or nominee about the arrest and the place of custody.
• ✓The arresting officer must wear a clear, accurate identification and prepare a memorandum of arrest signed by a witness.
• ✓Women can be arrested only between sunrise and sunset, except in exceptional circumstances with prior permission of a Magistrate.
• ✓You cannot be compelled to be a witness against yourself (Article 20(3) of the Constitution).

Relevant Statutes

What to Do

1. 1Stay calm. Politely ask the officer for the reason for arrest and request a copy of the FIR if applicable.
2. 2Note the officer's name and badge number. Insist on a memorandum of arrest signed by a witness.
3. 3Ask the officer to inform a specific family member or friend, and verify the entry in the police register.
4. 4Request to call a lawyer. Do not sign blank papers, fingerprint sheets, or undated documents.
5. 5If denied bail in a bailable offence, immediately move the Magistrate or Sessions Court.
6. 6Document any injuries or mistreatment in writing and request a medical examination.