The National Capital Territory of Delhi is implementing new rules, called the Delhi BNSS (Arrest Information) Rules, 2025, from February 28, 2025. These rules seek to ensure swift and transparent communication of arrest information to the relatives and designated persons of arrested individuals.
These rules, drafted under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), aim to streamline the process of notifying concerned parties about arrests, leveraging both electronic and physical modes of communication. The rules will apply to the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Key Provisions of the Rules
Definitions
- “Electronic Communication” is defined broadly to include various forms of digital communication, such as telephone calls, social media messages, emails, and video content.
- “Mode of Information” is defined as the methods of informing relatives and designated persons, including electronic modes (mobile phones, social media, SMS, email) and physical modes.
- Definitions for “Police Station” and “Sanhita” are taken directly from the BNSS.
- “State Government” refers to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
Information of Arrest
Every police officer making an arrest under the BNSS must immediately inform the arrested person’s relatives, friends, or designated persons about the arrest and the location where the arrested person is being held.
The designated police officer in the district must also be informed.
Police Station Register
Each police station will maintain a register to record the details of arrested persons and the individuals who were notified about the arrest, as outlined in Schedule-I of the rules.
Court Powers Preserved
The rules do not limit or affect the powers of the court as provided in the BNSS or any other applicable law.
