Can police detain you for protesting? BNSS Section 172 and the 24-hour rule

Over 100 people were detained at Connaught Place on October 10, 2026 during the CJP-led protest in Delhi, raising the question of the law behind such detentions. Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita — a new insertion with no equivalent in the old CrPC — lets a police officer detain or remove a person who resists or disregards lawful directions given to prevent a cognizable offence. The officer must then produce the person before a magistrate or, in petty cases, release them within 24 hours; Article 22(2) of the Constitution independently requires production before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Explained by The Indian Express and Outlook India. (Indian Express, Outlookindia)

• Over 100 people were detained at Connaught Place on October 10, 2026 during the CJP-led protest in Delhi, raising the question of the law behind such detentions.
• Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita — a new insertion with no equivalent in the old CrPC — lets a police officer detain or remove a person who resists or disregards lawful directions given to prevent a
• The officer must then produce the person before a magistrate or, in petty cases, release them within 24 hours; Article 22(2) of the Constitution independently requires production before a magistrate within 24 hours of ar