Introduction to Section 38 of BNSS
Section 38 of BNSS , highlighting the right of an arrested person to consult a lawyer during police interrogation is a very important part of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This section protects the basic rights of a person who is being arrested. It ensures that no person is arrested without being clearly told why they are being arrested and whether they can get bail. This helps maintain transparency, stops misuse of police power, and protects citizens from unlawful detention. It reflects the constitutional values of justice and fairness.
What is BNSS Section 38 ?
BNSS 38 gives the arrested person the legal right to be informed of the reason for their arrest and their right to apply for bail if the offence is bailable. It makes it compulsory for the police to tell this to the arrested person clearly and in a language they understand. This section gives the arrested person a fair chance to defend themselves and seek legal help from the very beginning.
BNSS Section of 38 in Simple Points
1. Right to Meet an Advocate of Choice
Under BNSS Section 38, every person who is arrested has the legal right to meet a lawyer of their own choice. This means the person does not have to accept a government-appointed lawyer or a lawyer selected by the police. They can choose someone they trust. This is important because having the support of a trusted lawyer helps the arrested person understand their rights, the charges against them, and how to respond during questioning.
2. Limited Access During Interrogation
Even though the arrested person has the right to meet their lawyer, the lawyer is not allowed to stay present throughout the entire police interrogation. The meeting can happen either before the interrogation begins or at certain allowed points during the process. This rule ensures that while the police can carry out their investigation without interference, the arrested person is not left completely alone and without support.
3. Protection Against Misuse by Authorities
This section is designed to prevent police misuse of power. By allowing the arrested person to consult a lawyer, it makes sure that the police do not use unfair methods or force the person to say something against their will. The presence of a lawyer, even for a short while, can help keep the investigation fair and in line with the law.
4. Ensures Fair Investigation and Legal Rights
BNSS 38 helps in balancing the rights of the arrested person and the needs of the investigation. The police can still do their job, but the accused person also gets basic protection under the law. This balance is important in a democratic system where justice is not just about finding the truth but also about doing it in a fair way.
5. Part of Fundamental Legal Principles
This section supports the broader idea of justice under the Indian Constitution. It connects to the right to legal aid and right to silence, meaning no one should be forced to speak or confess without understanding their rights. It ensures that the person is treated with dignity and that their basic human rights are not ignored during police action.
Section 38 of BNSS Overview
BNSS Section 38 says that whenever someone is arrested, the police must clearly tell the person two things:
- Why they are being arrested (the reason or the offence).
- Whether they can apply for bail, if the offence is bailable.
This information must be given in a language the person understands. It is a legal right and must be followed in all arrests.
BNSS Section 38: Right of arrested person to be informed of grounds of arrest and right to bail
1. Right to Know the Reason for Arrest
Every arrested person must be clearly told why they are being arrested. The police cannot arrest someone and keep the reason hidden. This rule is important because it gives the person a chance to understand what they are being accused of and prepare their defense. The police officer must inform the person in a language they understand. If the person is uneducated or does not speak the language used, the officer must explain it clearly.
2. Legal Right – Not a Favor
This is not a favor given by the police; it is a legal right guaranteed by the law. It protects people from unlawful or unfair arrests. Even if someone is accused of a serious crime, they must still be informed of the charges. If the police fail to explain the reason, the arrest can be considered illegal in court. This shows how important it is to protect the rights of the arrested individual.
3. Right to Bail Must Be Told
If the offence is bailable, the police must also inform the arrested person that they have a right to get bail. The person should be told that they can apply for bail and be released until their court hearing. Many times, people don’t know they are eligible for bail and stay in jail unnecessarily. This section ensures that no one stays in custody just because of lack of awareness.
4. Helps Prevent Custodial Harassment
Informing the person about the arrest and bail reduces the chance of police harassment or abuse in custody. When a person knows their rights and legal status, they are less vulnerable to pressure, mistreatment, or false confessions. This section acts as a safeguard against the misuse of police powers during detention or interrogation.
5. Supports Article 22 of Indian Constitution
This section closely follows Article 22 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the rights of arrested individuals. According to Article 22, every person has the right to know the reason for arrest and to consult a lawyer. BNSS 38 supports these constitutional rights and makes them stronger through clear legal rules.
6. Applies to All Arrests – Minor or Major
Whether a person is arrested for a small crime or a serious offence, this section applies to all arrests. It ensures equal treatment under the law. The nature of the crime does not change the duty of the police to inform the person about the reason and their bail rights.
7. Encourages Transparency in Police Actions
By making it mandatory to inform the arrested person of their rights, this law increases transparency and accountability in police work. The police must follow a clear process and cannot make secret arrests or hide facts. This builds public trust in the legal system and ensures justice is followed step by step.
8. Language Must Be Understandable
The police officer must explain the reason for arrest and bail in a language or manner the arrested person can understand. For example, if the person is deaf, the officer must use signs or writing. If the person is from a different region, translation must be arranged. This ensures that no one is left in confusion due to a language barrier.
9. Protects the Innocent from Wrongful Detention
Many people get arrested by mistake or on false charges. If they know the grounds for their arrest, they can immediately challenge it in court. This section gives them the first tool for their defense. It helps ensure innocent people are not held unnecessarily without knowing the reason or without being given the chance to apply for bail.
10. Builds Foundation for Fair Trial
A fair trial begins with a fair arrest. When a person is clearly told about their arrest and bail rights, they can arrange legal help, inform family, and prepare a proper legal defense. This law ensures that the justice system does not begin with confusion or unfairness. It is the first step in ensuring the person is treated lawfully and justly at every stage.
BNSS Section 38
Example 1:
Ravi is arrested for theft and taken for police interrogation. He requests to meet his lawyer. The police allow his lawyer to meet him briefly before resuming questioning. The lawyer is not allowed to sit with him during the entire interrogation.
Example 2:
Meena is arrested in a fraud case. During police questioning, she asks to meet her advocate. The police allow her advocate to come and consult her at specific intervals, but not throughout the entire session.
Section 38 of BNSS Short Information
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Section Name | BNSS Section 38 |
| Law Title | Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 |
| Main Focus | Rights of arrested person during arrest |
| Key Rights Given | 1. Know the reason for arrest 2. Know the right to get bail (if bailable) |
| Language Requirement | Must be explained in a language the arrested person understands |
| Applies To | All arrests (bailable and non-bailable offences) |
| Purpose | Ensure fairness, prevent misuse of power, protect legal rights |
| Based on | Article 22 of the Indian Constitution |
| Police Duty | Inform clearly and immediately after arrest |
| Impact | Helps person arrange legal help and apply for bail quickly |
BNSS Section 38 FAQs
BNSS 38
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