When a city researcher’s father was detained by police officers in plainclothes, in connection with a land-grab complaint, it was only because she reacted immediately and reported lapses in the arrest procedures that he was released.
According to V. Suresh, general secretary, National People’s Union for Civil Liberties, “When the police come to your house for an enquiry or arrest, it is important you know your rights.”
Firstly, the police officers must introduce themselves and prominently display their name badges. If the purpose of their visit is an arrest, they must describe the nature of the complaint received, specify the Act under which the case is booked and also mention the offence the person is accused of.
Women cannot be arrested after 6 p.m. or before 6 a.m., unless in exceptional circumstances.
In the case of an enquiry, children under 15 and women cannot be summoned to the police station and must be questioned at home, in the presence of a woman police officer.
Whenever a person is detained by the police, a friend or relative must be informed of the details of the offence, the options for bail, and also where the accused will be detained. All these details must also be recorded in the station register and given to the State and district control rooms within 12 hours.
If the protocol is not followed, it is up to the relatives of the arrested person to make a complaint to a senior officer, by SMS or email.
