Section 48 CrPC: Pursuit of Offenders Across Jurisdictions
Code: Section 48 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC)
Explanation:
This section empowers police officers to pursue offenders across jurisdictional boundaries. It allows officers who have begun an investigation or are in hot pursuit of an offender to continue the pursuit even if they cross into another police district or state. This ensures that criminals cannot escape justice by fleeing across jurisdictional lines.
Illustration:
Imagine a police officer in Delhi is chasing a thief who has stolen a valuable artifact. The thief crosses the border into Uttar Pradesh. Section 48 CrPC allows the Delhi police officer to continue the pursuit into Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that the thief is apprehended.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: Does Section 48 CrPC require the officer to inform the local police in the new jurisdiction?
A: Yes. The officer is required to inform the local police about their presence and the reason for their pursuit.
Q: What are the limitations of Section 48 CrPC?
A: The officer can only exercise this power if they are in hot pursuit of the offender, and they must inform the local police of their presence and reason.
Q: Can the officer make an arrest in the new jurisdiction?
A: Yes, if the officer has legal grounds to make the arrest, they can do so even if they are in a different jurisdiction.
