From Police Station to Courtroom: Navigating the First 48 Hours After Arrest

By Adv. Bindu Dubey, Criminal Lawyer & Legal Rights Advocate

The moment a person is arrested, a legal journey begins - often fraught with confusion, fear, and urgency. For the accused and their families, the first 48 hours are the most critical. It is during this time that vital legal steps must be taken to protect individual rights and secure freedom, often through bail. While television dramas make arrest, scenes seem dramatic and hopeless, the truth is that our legal system - especially with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023) - offers several protections and legal tools to ensure justice is not denied at the doorstep.

Why Legal Representation Matters - From the Very First Minute

The presence of a best criminal lawyer immediately after arrest is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Under Article 22(1) of the Constitution, and now reaffirmed in BNSS 2023, every arrested person has the right to consult a legal criminal practitioner of their choice. A competent criminal lawyer ensures that the accused understands the charges, asserts their rights, and prevents any violation during police interrogation. Importantly, a criminal lawyer can verify whether the arrest was lawful, ensure that a copy of the FIR is provided, and confirm that the arrest memo is properly signed by independent witnesses.

In criminal cases, early legal intervention often determines whether the accused walks free or ends up in prolonged custody. An experienced criminal lawyer can swiftly initiate the bail process, request interim protection, or challenge the validity of the arrest altogether. For families, this means that the moment they learn about an arrest, their first call should be to a top criminal lawyer - not a relative or friend.

Police Custody vs. Judicial Custody: What’s the Difference?

Once a person is arrested, the police must produce them before a magistrate within 24 hours, failing which the detention becomes illegal. During this production, the magistrate decides whether to send the accused to police custody or judicial custody.

Police custody means the accused remains under the physical control of the police for purposes of investigation. Under BNSS 2023, the maximum period for police custody is 15 days, and even that is granted in small intervals under judicial supervision. This phase is the most sensitive, as it involves interrogation - and, in some cases, the risk of custodial torture or forced confessions.

In contrast, judicial custody means the accused is sent to jail (under court supervision), not held by the police. This is generally considered safer, especially for vulnerable individuals. Judicial custody can last up to 60 or 90 days, depending on the severity of the offense, during which the investigation continues. A lawyer can advocate for judicial custody over police custody, particularly when the FIR appears weak or when the accused is cooperating fully.

Your Legal Rights Under BNSS 2023 and the Constitution

The newly introduced BNSS 2023, which replaces the older Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), has retained and clarified many fundamental rights of arrested individuals. These rights are critical to prevent arbitrary detention and protect the dignity of the accused. Some of the most important rights include:

• The right to be informed of the grounds of arrest, both orally and in writing.
• The right to remain silent, as per Article 20(3) of the Constitution.
• The right to legal counsel of one’s choice.
• The right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
• The right to medical examination, which helps detect and document custodial abuse.
• The right to communicate with a friend or relative, ensuring someone is aware of the arrest.
• For those who cannot afford legal representation, the right to free legal aid is guaranteed under Article 39A.

These aren’t just legal formalities - they are the foundation of a fair justice system. Any violation of these rights can be challenged in court, and the courts have not hesitated to pull up the police or cancel proceedings when such rights are ignored.

Fast-Tracking Bail: How to Act Quickly and Strategically

In most criminal cases, bail is the most immediate concern for the accused and their families. But how and when to apply for bail depends on whether the offense is bailable or non-bailable.

In bailable offenses, the police are duty-bound to release the accused on bail upon furnishing a bond. A lawyer can assist in completing these formalities quickly at the police station itself. However, in non-bailable offenses, bail is not a right and must be granted by the court. In such cases, the strategy becomes crucial.

If the arrest has already happened, the lawyer can file a regular bail application before the magistrate as soon as the accused is produced in court. In urgent matters, lawyers often request interim bail, which grants temporary relief until the regular bail application is heard.

If the person has not yet been arrested but fears arrest - say in cases of matrimonial disputes or business fraud - then the appropriate remedy is anticipatory bail, now covered under Section 484 of BNSS 2023. This must be applied before the arrest happens and is usually filed before a Sessions Court or the High Court.

To support a bail plea, the lawyer must present:

• A clear version of the accused’s side of the story,
• Proof of cooperation with the investigation,
• Absence of criminal record,
• No risk of absconding or tampering with evidence.

Courts appreciate well-prepared bail applications, and in many cases, relief can be obtained within hours if all paperwork is in order.

Conclusion: Legal Awareness is the First Step to Justice

Being arrested does not make one guilty - it is merely the beginning of an investigation. Yet, for countless individuals, a lack of awareness and timely legal help results in unnecessary suffering. The first 48 hours after arrest are not just about police procedures - they are about ensuring human rights, dignity, and access to justice.

In today's fast - changing legal environment, especially with reforms introduced through the BNSS 2023, families must remain proactive. Keeping the contact of a trusted criminal lawyer, understanding basic rights, and acting without delay can make all the difference.

Remember, justice doesn't begin in a courtroom - it begins with knowing your rights the moment you hear, "You are under arrest."

Adv. Bindu Dubey is a practicing criminal lawyer with over 15 years of experience handling bail, anticipatory bail, and FIR quashing matters. She advocates for legal literacy and fair treatment under criminal law.