By Martin Shwenk Leade
AgenciesDelhi police handcuff
Delhi Police has issued a new order outlining detailed procedures for using handcuffs while transporting suspects to courts, hospitals, or other locations. The order permits handcuffing in cases of serious crimes and introduces separate protocols for different categories of individuals. Young adults aged 18 to 21 years may not be handcuffed without prior court permission, and extra safeguards have been put in place for detainees with medical or physical vulnerabilities.When handcuffs can be usedAs per the standing order and Section 43(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), police can use handcuffs while arresting or producing people accused of serious offences. These include organised crime, terrorism, drug-related crimes, illegal arms possession, murder, rape, acid attacks, counterfeiting currency or coins, human trafficking, sexual offences against children, and crimes against the state.Protocol for high-risk individualsThe police are directed to conduct a proper risk assessment before deciding to use handcuffs. This includes reviewing the person鈥檚 criminal record, possibility of escape, and behaviour. The standing order says, 鈥淧olice may use back handcuffing, especially for high-risk categories such as gangsters, high-value targets, or individuals flagged as dangerous. However, for those with medical or physical limitations, front-handcuffing is permitted.鈥滵uring movement for custody parole, medical visits, or court appearances, front-handcuffing with chains may be used. Officers must consider factors like age, injuries, disabilities, and mental health before using restraints.Use of handcuffs in public transport and daily activitiesIn public transport settings such as trains, buses, or flights, officers can adjust or temporarily remove handcuffs if needed. For instance, 鈥淧olice may remove or adjust the handcuffs when the UTP, convict, detenue, or accused person needs to use the washroom.鈥 In some cases, one hand may stay cuffed and secured by a chain held by the escorting officer. The order also allows for handcuffs to be adjusted during meals.Live EventsCourt approval mandatory for certain casesPolice officers must obtain written permission from courts when applying handcuffs during police remand. The order states, 鈥淵oung adults, aged between 18 and 21 years, arrested or detained may ordinarily not be handcuffed without written permission from the court.鈥 For hospitalised persons, handcuffing is discouraged unless there is a risk of escape. The use of fetters also requires prior court approval.Exceptions for vulnerable individualsThe Delhi Police order instructs that handcuffs should not be used routinely on certain groups. These include the elderly, persons with physical injuries or disabilities, and individuals with mental health conditions. In such cases, restraints may only be used under exceptional circumstances. Handcuffing of women is also not permitted on a routine basis and must be justified by extraordinary reasons.The new guidelines aim to ensure accountability in how police use restraints, especially when dealing with vulnerable or young individuals.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News ondelhi policedehi police handcuff rulesDelhi Police handcuffing guidelinesyoung adults handcuffing rulespolice restraint protocolsserious crimes handcuffing procedures
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News ondelhi policedehi police handcuff rulesDelhi Police handcuffing guidelinesyoung adults handcuffing rulespolice restraint protocolsserious crimes handcuffing procedures(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition123View all Stories