{"id":29103,"date":"2026-08-03T07:54:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T07:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=29103"},"modified":"2026-08-03T08:04:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T08:04:42","slug":"can-the-police-handcuff-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Can the Police Handcuff You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Handcuffing is the act of restraining a person\u2019s wrists using metal or plastic cuffs, typically to prevent escape or violence during arrest, custody, or transport. In India, handcuffing is legally permitted only under exceptional circumstances\u2014such as when an accused has a history of fleeing custody or poses a credible threat to public safety.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Legal_Framework\" >Legal Framework<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Article_21_of_the_Constitution\" >Article 21 of the Constitution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Statutory_Provision_%E2%80%93_Section_433_of_the_Bharatiya_Nagarik_Suraksha_Sanhita_2023_BNSS\" >Statutory Provision \u2013 Section 43(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Offenses_Where_Handcuffs_May_Be_Used_Under_Section_433_BNSS\" >Offenses Where Handcuffs May Be Used Under Section 43(3) BNSS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Judicial_Safeguards_Under_Article_21\" >Judicial Safeguards Under Article 21<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Judicial_Safeguards\" >Judicial Safeguards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#When_Handcuffs_May_Be_Used\" >When Handcuffs May Be Used<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Documentation_Requirements\" >Documentation Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#6_Accountability_for_Misuse\" >6. Accountability for Misuse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#7_Conclusion\" >7. Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#Key_Takeaway\" >Key Takeaway<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, a person arrested for armed robbery who previously escaped from jail may be handcuffed during transit; similarly, a prisoner being escorted to court amid intelligence of a planned attack may be restrained for security reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, routine or indiscriminate handcuffing\u2014especially of non-violent or first-time offenders\u2014is unconstitutional and violates the right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-legal-framework\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Framework\"><\/span>Legal Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The use of handcuffs in India is regulated by constitutional provisions, statutory law, and judicial interpretation to ensure alignment with human dignity and due process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-article-21-of-the-constitution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Article_21_of_the_Constitution\"><\/span>Article 21 of the Constitution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Any form of physical restraint, including handcuffing, must be just, fair, and reasonable and cannot be applied arbitrarily or as a routine measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-statutory-provision-section-43-3-of-the-bharatiya-nagarik-suraksha-sanhita-2023-bnss\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statutory_Provision_%E2%80%93_Section_433_of_the_Bharatiya_Nagarik_Suraksha_Sanhita_2023_BNSS\"><\/span>Statutory Provision \u2013 Section 43(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Section 43(3) BNSS, a police officer may use handcuffs during arrest only if the nature and gravity of the offense justify such restraint. It applies to habitual or repeat offenders, those who have previously escaped from custody, or those accused of serious crimes such as<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Organized crime, terrorism, or drug trafficking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illegal possession of arms or ammunition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Murder, rape, or acid attacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Counterfeiting of currency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human trafficking and sexual offenses against children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offenses against the State (endangering sovereignty, unity, or integrity)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major economic offenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-offenses-where-handcuffs-may-be-used-under-section-43-3-bnss\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Offenses_Where_Handcuffs_May_Be_Used_Under_Section_433_BNSS\"><\/span>Offenses Where Handcuffs May Be Used Under Section 43(3) BNSS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Category<\/th><th>Examples<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Organized and Serious Crime<\/td><td>Organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weapons Offenses<\/td><td>Illegal possession of arms or ammunition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Violent Crimes<\/td><td>Murder, rape, acid attacks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Economic Crimes<\/td><td>Counterfeiting of currency, major economic offenses<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Human Exploitation<\/td><td>Human trafficking and sexual offenses against children<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Offenses Against the State<\/td><td>Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, or integrity of India<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-judicial-safeguards-under-article-21\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Safeguards_Under_Article_21\"><\/span>Judicial Safeguards Under Article 21<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The BNSS provision must be read harmoniously with Supreme Court rulings; it does not override judicial safeguards. Its constitutionality depends on implementation\u2014any misuse would make the act illegal and contemptuous under Article 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-judicial-safeguards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Safeguards\"><\/span>Judicial Safeguards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indian courts have consistently held that handcuffing is an exception, not a norm. The following landmark judgments set the boundaries for lawful restraint:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Landmark Judgment<\/th><th>Key Principle<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978)<\/strong><\/td><td>Condemned indiscriminate use of handcuffs as inhuman and degrading, violating Article 21.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration (1980)<\/strong><\/td><td>Declared handcuffing prima facie inhumane and illegal unless exceptional reasons are recorded and judicial approval obtained.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Citizens for Democracy v. State of Assam (1995)<\/strong><\/td><td>Extended the ban on routine handcuffing to include undertrial prisoners; mandated written justification by a senior officer.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997)<\/strong><\/td><td>Directed that handcuffing must be an exceptional measure requiring prior judicial sanction in grave cases.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-when-handcuffs-may-be-used\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Handcuffs_May_Be_Used\"><\/span>When Handcuffs May Be Used<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Handcuffs may be applied only in specific, justified, and documented circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Risk of Escape:<\/strong> Where the accused has previously escaped or shows a likelihood of fleeing custody.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Violent Behavior:<\/strong> When the person poses a threat to themselves or others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Judicial Authorization:<\/strong> Prior approval from a magistrate is preferred, especially for non-violent or first-time offenders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even in these cases, use must be proportionate. The police must record reasons in writing and be prepared to justify them before a court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documentation-requirements\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documentation_Requirements\"><\/span>Documentation Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To lawfully justify handcuffing, police authorities must maintain contemporaneous records in both the Case Diary (Section 192 BNSS, 2023) and Arrest Memo\/Panchnama (Section 36 (b) BNSS, 2023). These must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specific grounds for restraint (e.g., &#8220;the accused attempted escape during prior arrest on [date]&#8221;).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence that lesser measures were insufficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approval details\u2014rank and designation of the authorizing officer (SP or above) or order of the magistrate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exact time, place, and duration of handcuffing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intimation to the nearest magistrate within 24 hours, per K. Basu and Prem Shankar Shukla guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any vague or generic documentation renders the handcuffing illegal and contemptuous under constitutional and procedural law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-6-accountability-for-misuse\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Accountability_for_Misuse\"><\/span>6. Accountability for Misuse<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Police officers who handcuff without proper justification or judicial compliance face serious legal and administrative consequences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Consequence<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Contempt of Court<\/strong><\/td><td>Violation of judicial guidelines attracts punishment under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (up to six months\u2019 imprisonment or fine).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Departmental Action<\/strong><\/td><td>Officers may face disciplinary action like suspension, etc., for breaching service rules.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Personal Liability<\/strong><\/td><td>Courts may award compensation to victims for violation of dignity under Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa and K. Basu.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Criminal Prosecution<\/strong><\/td><td>The offending officers may be charged under: Section 258 BNS \u2013 Unlawful confinement. Section 126(2) BNS \u2013 Wrongful restraint. Section 127 BNS \u2013 Wrongful confinement.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Adverse Judicial Remarks<\/strong><\/td><td>Courts may record adverse comments impacting the career of the officer.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unauthorized handcuffing thus constitutes a direct assault on constitutional dignity, exposing the officer to multiple layers of accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Conclusion\"><\/span>7. Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Handcuffing in India is not a routine administrative tool but an exceptional coercive measure. It is permissible only when there is clear, individualized justification\u2014such as escape risk or violent conduct\u2014supported by written documentation and prior judicial or senior police approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rooted in Article 21\u2019s guarantee of dignity and fairness and guided by the BNSS, 2023, alongside landmark rulings (Prem Shankar Shukla, D.K. Basu), the law demands balance between public safety and human rights. Any deviation is not merely a procedural irregularity\u2014it is a constitutional violation, inviting contempt, disciplinary action, and compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-takeaway\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaway\"><\/span>Key Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In essence, handcuffs must remain a last resort, not a symbol of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you-know-your-rights\/\">Can the Police Handcuff You? Know Your Rights<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-alcatraz-escape-a-mystery-that-lives-on\/\">The Alcatraz Escape: A Mystery That Lives On<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-doctrine-of-strict-liability-a-comprehensive-analysis-of-rylands-v-fletcher-1865\/\">The Doctrine of Strict Liability: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rylands v. Fletcher (1865)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-jurisprudence-of-responsibility-unpacking-tortious-liability-and-the-doctrine-of-strict-liability\/\">The Jurisprudence of Responsibility: Unpacking Tortious Liability and the Doctrine of Strict Liability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/offences-against-the-state-under-bhartiya-nyaya-sanhita-bns-waging-war-sedition-state-security-laws-in-india\/\">Offences Against the State Under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Waging War, Sedition &amp; State Security Laws in India<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Handcuffing is the act of restraining a person\u2019s wrists using metal or plastic cuffs, typically to prevent escape or violence during arrest, custody, or transport. In India, handcuffing is legally permitted only under exceptional circumstances\u2014such as when an accused has a history of fleeing custody or poses a credible threat to public safety. For<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":29146,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[4798,28],"class_list":["post-29103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-criminal-law","tag-criminal-law","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can the Police Handcuff You? - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn when handcuffing is legal in India under BNSS 2023, Article 21 and Supreme Court guidelines, plus police duties and safeguards.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Can the Police Handcuff You?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn when handcuffing is legal in India under BNSS 2023, Article 21 and Supreme Court guidelines, plus police duties and safeguards.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-03T07:54:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-03T08:04:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. Imran Wahab\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Md. Imran Wahab\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156\"},\"headline\":\"Can the Police Handcuff You?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-03T07:54:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-03T08:04:42+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":981,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"criminal law\",\"Top News\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Criminal Law\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/\",\"name\":\"Can the Police Handcuff You? - Legal Service India - Articles\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-03T07:54:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-03T08:04:42+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn when handcuffing is legal in India under BNSS 2023, Article 21 and Supreme Court guidelines, plus police duties and safeguards.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp\",\"width\":1536,\"height\":1024,\"caption\":\"Handcuffing in India\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Criminal Law > Handcuffing in India: Legal Rules, Article 21, Section 43(3) BNSS, Supreme Court Guidelines & Constitutional Safeguards\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India - Law Articles\",\"description\":\"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"width\":105,\"height\":95,\"caption\":\"Legal Service India\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/legalservicesind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/legalserviceind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156\",\"name\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\"},\"description\":\"\ud83d\udc6e Md. Imran Wahab, IPS Inspector General of Police (IGP), Provisioning, West Bengal Md. Imran Wahab is a distinguished Indian Police Service officer with extensive experience in law enforcement, administration, prison management, and public service. He has held several senior positions in the West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, and Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, and served as Special IG and IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal. \ud83c\udf93 Academic Excellence: He holds degrees in Science, Arts, Law, and Business Administration, along with multiple postgraduate diplomas in specialised fields, including Human Rights, Psychology, Public Administration, and Disaster Management. He has also undergone specialised training at SVPNPA, IIM Ahmedabad, and in Singapore. \ud83d\udcda Author &amp; Research Scholar: He has authored Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations. With over 1,000 articles to his credit, his research and writings cover law, policing, criminal justice, prison administration, politics, and international affairs. His contributions have appeared in reputed police and research journals. \ud83d\uddf3\ufe0f Election Management &amp; Leadership: As an Election Commission of India observer, he has contributed to election management across several Indian states. He has also chaired and served on recruitment boards for Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. His professional interests span law, governance, correctional administration, international affairs, and management, reflecting a sustained commitment to institutional development, knowledge sharing, and public service.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/author\\\/md-imranwahab\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Can the Police Handcuff You? - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"Learn when handcuffing is legal in India under BNSS 2023, Article 21 and Supreme Court guidelines, plus police duties and safeguards.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Can the Police Handcuff You?","og_description":"Learn when handcuffing is legal in India under BNSS 2023, Article 21 and Supreme Court guidelines, plus police duties and safeguards.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-08-03T07:54:42+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-03T08:04:42+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1536,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Md. Imran Wahab","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@legalserviceind","twitter_site":"@legalserviceind","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Md. Imran Wahab","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/"},"author":{"name":"Md. Imran Wahab","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/person\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156"},"headline":"Can the Police Handcuff You?","datePublished":"2026-08-03T07:54:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-03T08:04:42+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/"},"wordCount":981,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp","keywords":["criminal law","Top News"],"articleSection":["Criminal Law"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/","name":"Can the Police Handcuff You? - Legal Service India - Articles","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp","datePublished":"2026-08-03T07:54:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-03T08:04:42+00:00","description":"Learn when handcuffing is legal in India under BNSS 2023, Article 21 and Supreme Court guidelines, plus police duties and safeguards.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"caption":"Handcuffing in India"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-the-police-handcuff-you\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Criminal Law > Handcuffing in India: Legal Rules, Article 21, Section 43(3) BNSS, Supreme Court Guidelines & Constitutional Safeguards"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/","name":"Legal Service India - Law Articles","description":"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization","name":"Legal Service India","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-circle-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-circle-1.png","width":105,"height":95,"caption":"Legal Service India"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","https:\/\/x.com\/legalserviceind","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/person\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156","name":"Md. Imran Wahab","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","caption":"Md. Imran Wahab"},"description":"\ud83d\udc6e Md. Imran Wahab, IPS Inspector General of Police (IGP), Provisioning, West Bengal Md. Imran Wahab is a distinguished Indian Police Service officer with extensive experience in law enforcement, administration, prison management, and public service. He has held several senior positions in the West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, and Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, and served as Special IG and IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal. \ud83c\udf93 Academic Excellence: He holds degrees in Science, Arts, Law, and Business Administration, along with multiple postgraduate diplomas in specialised fields, including Human Rights, Psychology, Public Administration, and Disaster Management. He has also undergone specialised training at SVPNPA, IIM Ahmedabad, and in Singapore. \ud83d\udcda Author &amp; Research Scholar: He has authored Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations. With over 1,000 articles to his credit, his research and writings cover law, policing, criminal justice, prison administration, politics, and international affairs. His contributions have appeared in reputed police and research journals. \ud83d\uddf3\ufe0f Election Management &amp; Leadership: As an Election Commission of India observer, he has contributed to election management across several Indian states. He has also chaired and served on recruitment boards for Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. His professional interests span law, governance, correctional administration, international affairs, and management, reflecting a sustained commitment to institutional development, knowledge sharing, and public service.","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/author\/md-imranwahab\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/handcuffing-in-india-bnss-2023-article-21-supreme-court-guidelines.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29103"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29103\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}