Section 114 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) – Assistance In Securing Transfer Of Persons.

Code: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Section 114

Explanation: This section of the BNSS deals with the execution of arrest warrants and the summoning of individuals in connection with criminal matters involving contracting states (countries that have agreements with India for mutual legal assistance). It aims to facilitate cross-border investigations and legal proceedings.

Breakdown of the Section:

• Subsection (1): When an Indian court needs to execute an arrest warrant in a contracting state, it sends the warrant in duplicate to the designated authority (specified by the Central Government) in that state for execution.
• Subsection (2): If an investigation in India requires the attendance of a person located in a contracting state, the Indian court can issue a summons or warrant to the designated authority in that state to serve or execute it.
• Subsection (3): If an Indian court receives an arrest warrant from a contracting state, it will execute the warrant as if it were issued by another Indian court within its jurisdiction.
• Subsection (4): When a prisoner in India is transferred to a contracting state under Subsection (3), the Indian court or Central Government can impose specific conditions on the transfer.
• Subsection (5): If a prisoner from a contracting state is transferred to India under Subsections (1) or (2), the Indian court ensures compliance with the transfer conditions and the prisoner’s custody is managed as directed by the Central Government.

Illustration:

Imagine a case where a suspect in an Indian murder case flees to a contracting state like the United Kingdom. The Indian court, under Section 114, can send the arrest warrant to the UK authorities through the designated channels for execution. The UK court would then apprehend the suspect and, if required, transfer them back to India for trial.

Common Questions and Answers:

• Q: What are “contracting states”?A: Contracting states are countries that have agreements with India for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. These agreements outline the procedures for sharing information and cooperating in investigations and prosecutions.
• Q: How does the Central Government specify authorities for warrant execution?A: The Central Government, through notifications, designates specific courts, judges, or magistrates in contracting states to receive and execute warrants issued by Indian courts.
• Q: Can an individual be directly summoned from a contracting state to an Indian court?A: Yes, Subsection (2) of Section 114 allows Indian courts to issue summons to individuals in contracting states for attendance in connection with investigations or inquiries.
• Q: What are the conditions that can be imposed on transferred prisoners?A: The conditions could include, but are not limited to, restrictions on movement, contact with specific individuals, or participation in particular activities.