In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed that police and investigating agencies must provide written reasons for arrest to the individual being detained.
The Court emphasized that this requirement applies across all statutes and is essential to uphold the constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 22 of the Indian Constitution.
The judgment mandates that the written grounds for arrest be communicated in a language understood by the arrestee and handed over at the time of arrest or within a reasonable timeframe, but no later than two hours before being presented before a magistrate.
This directive aims to enhance transparency, prevent arbitrary detentions, and ensure that individuals are fully informed of the basis for their arrest, thereby strengthening procedural safeguards in the criminal justice system.
