BNSS Section 48 — Obligation of person making arrest to inform about arrest, etc., to relative or friend

CHAPTER IV POWERS OF SUPERIOR OFFICERS OF POLICE AND AID TO THE MAGISTRATES AND THE POLICE

Criminal

Summary

When a person is arrested, the police officer or anyone making the arrest must immediately tell a relative, friend, or any other person chosen by the arrested person about the arrest and where the person is being held. This information must also be given to a designated police officer in the district. Once the arrested person is brought to the police station, the police officer must inform them of their right to have someone notified. The police station must keep a record of who was told about the arrest, in a format set by the state government. When the arrested person is brought before a magistrate, the magistrate must check that the arrested person was informed of their right to notify someone and that the record of notification was properly made.

Official Text

(1) Every police officer or other person making any arrest under this Sanhita shall forthwith give the information regarding such arrest and place where the arrested person is being held to any of his relatives, friends or such other persons as may be disclosed or nominated by the arrested person for the purpose of giving such information and also to the designated police officer in the district.

(2) The police officer shall inform the arrested person of his rights under sub-section (1) as soon as he is brought to the police station.

(3) An entry of the fact as to who has been informed of the arrest of such person shall be made in a book to be kept in the police station in such form as the State Government may, by rules, provide.

(4) It shall be the duty of the Magistrate before whom such arrested person is produced, to satisfy himself that the requirements of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) have been complied with in respect of such arrested person.

Related Judgments

  • SC (2025) Vol.5 p.730 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.6 p.545 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.11 p.291 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1309 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SC (2024) Vol.7 p.979 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SC (2025) Vol.2 p.424 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • .. Petitioner/Accused No.12 vs The State of Tamilnadu, — Madras High Court ()
  • SC (2025) Vol.7 p.105 — Supreme Court of India (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • CrPC §50A — Obligation of person making arrest to inform about arrest, etc., to relative or friend