The Supreme Court clarified that police have no power to arrest an accused in a complaint case during the course of inquiry under Section 202 CrPC — arrest is permissible only once a non-bailable warrant is issued alongside summons. This significantly limits pre-charge arrest powers.
Supreme Court of India
News Update
Police cannot arrest in complaint cases unless non-bailable warrant issued
The Supreme Court clarified that police have no power to arrest an accused in a complaint case during the course of inquiry under Section...
Compliance
Apr 20, 2026