Police stop & search

What to do when you're stopped by police for questioning or a search.

Police & Custody← Back to scenarios
Safety note
If you believe there is immediate danger, prioritise safety and call 112.

Quick rights

  • You can ask the reason for being stopped and the officer's identification.
  • You have the right to remain calm and not self-incriminate.
  • If you are detained/arrested, you can ask to inform a family member/lawyer.

What to do now

  1. Stay calm, keep hands visible, and be polite.
  2. Ask: name, badge/ID, and reason for stop.
  3. If they want to search your belongings, ask the legal basis and request it be done respectfully.
  4. If you feel unsafe, call 112 on speaker (if appropriate) and share location with a trusted person.

What NOT to do

  • Don't argue aggressively or physically resist.
  • Don't sign blank papers; read before signing.
  • Don't volunteer extra information you're unsure about.

What you can say

“Officer, may I know the reason for stopping me?”
“May I have your name and badge/ID number?”
“I'd like to speak to my lawyer / inform my family if I'm being detained.”

Emergency helplines

National Emergency
24x7
Call 112
Police
24x7
Call 100
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 41 — When police may arrest without warrant
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
Section 50 — Inform grounds of arrest
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)