Most of the time the police need a warrant issued by a Magistrate to arrest someone. When serious crimes are involved, the police can arrest even without a warrant.

Arrest

This explainer discusses the provisions for arrest and situations in which the police can arrest a person. It primarily deals with the law laid out in the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. 

FAQs

Can a foreigner file a case if they are unlawfully detained?

Who is a proclaimed offender?

How long can the police keep me under arrest?

Can a doctor or medical officer examine me when I am under arrest?

Can the police search me when I am arrested?

Can I resist an arrest if I think I should not be arrested?

When can the police arrest without a warrant?

Do the police need an ‘arrest warrant’ to arrest me?

What are the guidelines to arrest a minor?