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In cases of serious crimes (cognizable offences) police does not need a warrant Examples include murder, sexual offences, acid attack, rioting, starting a fire etc.

Arrest

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This illustrated guide will help you understand the laws on arrest and bail in India. It lays out the rights and processes you should know about if you are being arrested and after arrest. It also helps explain what bail and anticipatory bail are and how to apply for them.

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Related Resources

Arresting a Woman

A woman cannot be arrested after sunset and before sunrise (unless in exceptional circumstances) and a lady constable has to be present when a woman is being arrested. 

LGBTQ+ Persons Arrested By the Police

When police officers want to arrest you for any crime or suspicion of any crime, they may come to your location and arrest you. While arresting you, the details of the arrest, place of arrest, time of arrest etc will be written down in an Arrest Memo.
Crimes and Violence

Rights While Being Arrested

Upon being arrested, you can ask the police to identify themselves, show the warrant for arrest and call your lawyer. You must verify the accuracy of the memo of arrest, get informed about your eligibility for bail, get examined for major and minor injuries and get a copy of the signed Inspection Memo.

Fundamental Right Against Illegal Arrests

The Constitution of India grants everyone a fundamental right to ask the Court to order the detaining authority to produce the person arrested and request the court to investigate if the arrest was legal.

Informing Friends and Family

When you are being arrested, before taking you away, you can choose a person (friend or family member) whom the police must inform about your arrest.

Notice Issued by Police

In cases where the police can arrest someone without a warrant but are of the opinion that arrest is not required, they can issue a notice to such person to appear before the police or any place specified in the notice.