Introduction of Section 37 of BNSS
BNSS Section 37 is about improving transparency and communication in police work. It says that every district and state must have a police control room, and in every police station and district, a designated police officer (not below Assistant Sub-Inspector rank) must be appointed. This officer is responsible for maintaining and displaying information about arrested persons — including their names, addresses, and the crime they are charged with. This makes the arrest process more open, and helps families, lawyers, and citizens access information easily.
What is BNSS Section 37 ?
BNSS Section 37 talks about the duties of the State Government to improve police record-keeping and public access to arrest information. It makes it compulsory to set up police control rooms and appoint a responsible police officer in every district and police station to maintain and display information about people who are arrested.
BNSS Section of 37 in Simple Points
1. Police Control Room in Every District and State
BNSS Section 37 clearly states that each State Government must set up a police control room at both the district level and the state level. This control room is responsible for receiving public calls, sharing emergency updates, and coordinating police activities more efficiently. The goal is to improve communication and ensure that people can easily reach out to the police in case of emergencies. It strengthens public safety and helps in quick response to incidents.
2. Appointment of a Designated Police Officer
Every police station and district must have a designated police officer who is not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). This officer is assigned the responsibility to maintain proper records of people who have been arrested. These records include names, addresses, and the nature of the offences. Having a specific officer in charge ensures accountability and organized record-keeping, which is important for legal and procedural transparency.
3. Mandatory Display of Arrest Information
According to BNSS 37, it is compulsory for the police to publicly display information about each person who is arrested. This includes their name, address, and the offence they are charged with. The information must be prominently displayed at the police station and at district headquarters. This rule ensures that families and legal representatives can easily find details of the arrested individuals. It helps prevent illegal custody and increases public awareness.
4. Use of Digital Mode for Transparency
The law also allows for this arrest information to be shown through digital modes, such as police department websites or online dashboards. This is especially helpful in modern times where technology can be used to reach more people easily. Digital records can be updated in real-time and accessed remotely, which is convenient for families, lawyers, and even human rights groups. It promotes transparency using modern tools.
5. Protection of Legal and Human Rights
One of the biggest benefits of BNSS Section 37 is that it helps protect the legal and human rights of arrested persons. By ensuring that arrest information is made public, it becomes difficult for any authority to hide or wrongfully detain someone. It also helps families take timely legal action. This section builds trust in the justice system and ensures the police function in a fair and responsible manner.
Section 37 of BNSS Overview
The State Government must establish a police control room in every district and at the State level. It must also appoint a police officer (not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector) in every police station and district. This officer will be responsible for keeping records of arrested persons, including their names, addresses, and the offences they are charged with. This information should be displayed clearly in each police station and district headquarters, in any manner including digital mode.
10 Key Points of BNSS Section 37
1. Establishment of Police Control Rooms
Every state government must set up a police control room in every district and at the state level. These control rooms act as central points for communication and coordination among police stations. They are also helpful in managing emergencies and serious crime situations. These control rooms will make it easier for people to contact the police and get help. It will ensure quick response and better law enforcement. The state must take care of infrastructure, staff, and operation. This will strengthen the state’s law-and-order network.
2. Appointment of Designated Police Officer
Each police station and district must have a designated police officer. This officer should not be below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). Their main job is to maintain records about every person arrested in that area. This makes one specific officer accountable for handling arrest data. The officer must keep the data updated regularly. It improves discipline and ensures proper record-keeping in every police station. The public can also approach this officer for help or information.
3. Record of Arrested Persons
The designated officer must maintain a record of every person who is arrested. This includes the person’s name, address, and other important details. It should also include the crime they are accused of. This information helps in preventing illegal detentions. If someone is missing after being taken by police, this record can help locate them. It creates transparency in police actions. It also makes the system more trustworthy.
4. Display of Information in Police Stations
All the information about arrested people must be clearly displayed in each police station. The display must include name, address, and offence charged. The aim is to keep the public informed. It can be shown on a notice board or digital screen. This makes the process open and accessible. Family members or lawyers can easily check the information. It reduces confusion and ensures timely support for the arrested person.
5. Display at District Headquarters
Not just at the police station, but the same arrest information must be displayed at the district police headquarters as well. It helps centralize the data for easier public access. Even if a person is arrested in a remote area, the details will be available at the main office. It brings uniformity in how arrest records are maintained. People don’t have to go from one police station to another to search for information. This saves time and effort for families and lawyers.
6. Use of Digital Mode for Display
The information can also be displayed in digital form, not just on paper or boards. This means using computers, websites, or public screens. It helps modernize the system. Digital records are easier to search and update. It makes the process faster and more efficient. People from far away can check updates online, where available. It also helps track data across multiple stations. The use of technology ensures better public service.
7. Accountability Through Designation
By appointing one responsible officer for this duty, the law ensures accountability. That officer must ensure that all data is correct and up to date. If information is missing or wrong, the officer can be questioned. This motivates the officer to do their job carefully. The public will know whom to approach if they have questions about arrests. It brings professionalism and structure into police working.
8. Helps Prevent Illegal Detention
When arrest details are publicly available, it reduces the chance of illegal or secret detentions. Family members will know exactly where the person is being kept. This helps protect the rights of the arrested individual. It also stops police from hiding wrongful arrests. Transparency acts as a check on police power. It promotes fairness in the legal process. This aligns with human rights principles.
9. Public Access to Arrest Records
The general public, including relatives and legal professionals, can access the displayed arrest information easily. This helps families provide legal help and support quickly. It also reduces harassment faced by families looking for missing persons. A system like this encourages citizens to trust police procedures more. It also builds a sense of responsibility in the police force. Public access supports a democratic and just system.
10. Strengthens Legal and Police Reforms
BNSS Section 37 is part of larger police reforms to make the system more transparent and people-friendly. It focuses on human rights, technology use, and accountability. It reflects modern values in law enforcement. When people see clear processes in police work, they are more likely to cooperate with the law. It also helps courts by providing accurate arrest records quickly. This section is a step toward a more modern justice system in India.
Examples of BNSS 37
Example 1:
Ravi was arrested by the police in a theft case. His family didn’t know where he was taken. Because of BNSS Section 37, the arrest record was displayed digitally at the police station and district HQ. His family found his name and details, visited the police station, and got legal help quickly.
Example 2:
In a small town, a new police control room was set up as per BNSS 37. When there was a local conflict, citizens could call the control room and get instant updates and help. It improved public trust and communication with the police.
Section 37 of BNSS Short Information
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Section Name | BNSS Section 37 |
| Subject | Designated Police Officer |
| Applies To | State Governments, Districts, and Police Stations |
| Key Requirement 1 | Establish police control rooms in every district and at state level |
| Key Requirement 2 | Designate police officer (ASI or above) in each station & district |
| Officer’s Responsibility | Maintain record of arrested persons (name, address, offence, etc.) |
| Display Mode | Display arrest information in visible or digital format |
| Purpose | Transparency, accountability, and easy access to arrest information |
| Benefits | Helps families, lawyers; prevents illegal detention |
| Examples | Public can check arrest details; police control room handles emergencies |
BNSS Section 37 FAQs
BNSS 37
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