Arrest / detention

Your rights and immediate steps if you or someone you know is being arrested.

Police & Custody← Back to scenarios

Quick rights

  • Right to know the grounds of arrest.
  • Right to consult a lawyer and inform a family member.
  • Right to be produced before a magistrate within a legally required time window (generally 24 hours).

What to do now

  1. Ask clearly: "Am I under arrest?" If yes, ask the grounds and request it be recorded.
  2. Call a family member/friend and a lawyer; share location and officer details.
  3. Request an arrest memo / documentation; keep copies if provided.
  4. If you have injuries or illness, request medical help and keep records.

What NOT to do

  • Don't try to run or resist physically.
  • Don't make forced confessions; avoid signing statements you don't understand.

What you can say

“Please tell me the grounds of arrest.”
“I want to consult my lawyer and inform my family.”
“Please provide documentation/acknowledgement of my arrest.”

Emergency helplines

National Emergency
24x7
Call 112
NALSA / Legal Aid
Legal aid / advice referrals (availability varies by state).
Call 15100

Relevant legal provisions

Article 21 — Right to life and personal liberty
Constitution of India
Article 22 — Protection against arrest and detention
Constitution of India
Section 50 — Inform grounds of arrest
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)