Section 57 of CrPC : Section 57: Person Arrested Not To Be Detained More Than Twenty-Four Hours

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where John is arrested by the police on suspicion of theft without a warrant at 10 AM on a Tuesday. The police start interrogating him to gather more information about the alleged crime. According to Section 57 of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the police cannot hold John in custody for an unreasonable time. They have until 10 AM the next day (Wednesday) to either release him or present him before a Magistrate. This 24-hour period does not include the time it takes to transport John from the police station to the Magistrate's Court. If the police need more time to investigate, they must obtain a special order from the Magistrate under section 167 to extend the custody period beyond 24 hours.