Karnataka DGP Issues Strict Circulars on Arrest Guidelines to Prevent Police Misuse

Following sharp remarks from the Karnataka High Court regarding illegal arrests, the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) of Karnataka has issued two comprehensive circulars to regulate police conduct. The directives instruct all police personnel across the state to strictly adhere to Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This section outlines the essential parameters and procedures that police officers must observe before making an arrest. The High Court, led by a single-judge bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna, had recently warned that police officers would face personal liability and disciplinary action if they failed to abide by the statutory guidelines on personal liberty. In response, the top police command issued these detailed instructions to ensure that arrests are not made arbitrarily or without sufficient legal grounding. The circulars mandate that investigators must properly document the reasons for an arrest and issue notices of appearance in cases where an immediate arrest is not legally necessary. Officers have also been warned that any deviation from these Supreme Court-mandated protocols will result in severe departmental action and potential financial penalties. This measure aims to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure transparency in law enforcement actions.