Criminal Procedure Code · Updated to 1 May 2023 · Chapter IV · Arrest, Escape and Retaking
28. How person arrested is to be dealt with and detention for more than twenty-four hours
Feedback & supportIn plain English
Subject to the rules on bail or earlier release, a police officer who arrests someone without a warrant must take or send them before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. The person must not be held longer than is reasonable. Unless a magistrate's special order applies, detention must not exceed twenty-four hours, not counting travel time to the magistrate.
Summary · Drafted with AI, checked against the official text on 30 Sep 2026.
A police officer making an arrest without a warrant shall without unnecessary delay and subject to the provisions herein as to bail or previous release take or send the person arrested before a
Magistrate.
No police officer shall detain in custody a person arrested without a warrant for a longer period than under all the circumstances of the case is reasonable.
Such period shall not in the absence or after the expiry of a special order of a Magistrate under section 117 exceed twenty-four hours exclusive of the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the Magistrate.
Rights of person arrested