Emergency numbers
Tap any number to call. Save 2–3 in your phone before you go out.
Legal help
- NALSA free legal aid helpline 15100
- District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) — free lawyer, every district Find yours at nalsa.gov.in or ask at the district court.
Medical
- Medical advice ambulance (pregnancy/child) 102
- AIIMS Poison Control (24×7) 1800-116-117
- Blood: eRaktKosh portal eraktkosh.mohfw.gov.in — nearest blood bank & stock.
Metro stations closed
As announced by DMRC. Closures change through the day — always cross-check the official DMRC account before leaving.
No closures listed right now.
Current list as per: DMRC advisory, 23 Jul 10:25 PM
Official source: @OfficialDMRC on X
Your rights
Under the Constitution and BNSS 2023. Short, plain, and true for everyone in India.
Content last checked: 24 July 2026
Peaceful protest is a fundamental right
Article 19(1)(a)–(b) of the Constitution protects peaceful assembly without arms. The state can impose reasonable restrictions (like Section 163 BNSS orders — the old “Section 144”), but it cannot ban peaceful dissent itself.
You must be told why you are arrested
Police must communicate the full grounds of arrest (BNSS §47, Article 22). Ask clearly: “What is the offence? Which section?” They must also prepare an arrest memo, signed by a witness and by you, with date and time.
Right to inform someone + right to a lawyer
Police must inform a relative or friend you name about your arrest and where you are held (BNSS §48). You can meet a lawyer of your choice during interrogation (BNSS §38). If you cannot afford one, free legal aid is your right (Article 39A — call 15100).
24-hour rule
You must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest, excluding travel time (BNSS §58, Article 22). Detention beyond that without a magistrate’s order is illegal.
Protections for women
A woman cannot be arrested after sunset and before sunrise except in exceptional circumstances with a magistrate’s prior permission (BNSS §43(5)). Only a woman officer can search a woman. Medical examination of a woman only by/under a female practitioner.
Section 163 BNSS (“Section 144”) orders
These prohibit assembly of (usually) 4+ people in a notified area for a limited period. Violating a valid order is an offence — check whether an order is actually in force in your exact area before gathering. Dispersal must start with a clear warning.
Notice instead of arrest for minor offences
For offences punishable under 7 years, police should normally issue a notice to appear (BNSS §35(3)) instead of arresting, unless arrest is justified in writing. If handed a notice — comply, sign nothing you disagree with, photograph it.
Police can / can’t
- Ask your name and address; detain you if you refuse in certain situations
- Disperse an unlawful assembly after warning, using minimum force
- Arrest without warrant for cognizable offences
- Search you on arrest (same-gender search for women)
- Seize objects that are evidence of an offence
- Refuse to tell you the grounds of arrest
- Deny you a call/information to family and a lawyer
- Hold you beyond 24 hours without a magistrate
- Beat or torture anyone in custody — ever (it’s a crime)
- Arrest a woman at night without magistrate permission
- Seize your phone without following legal procedure, or force you to unlock it on the spot
If you are detained
Stay calm. Don’t resist physically. Say these lines:
- “What is the offence and which section? I have a right to know the grounds.” (BNSS §47)
- “Please inform my family/friend — here is the number.” (BNSS §48)
- “I want to speak to a lawyer. I will not answer questions until then.” (BNSS §38)
- “I do not consent to a search of my phone.”
- “I request an arrest memo and a medical examination.”
- Note the officer’s name and buckle/ID number, police station
- Memorise 2 phone numbers — phones get taken
- Sign only what you have read and agree with; add “signed under protest” if forced
- If hurt, ask for a medical exam and make sure injuries are recorded
- Say nothing about the incident until your lawyer arrives — this is your right, not obstruction
Write these on your arm before going out:
- A family member’s number
- A lawyer / NALSA 15100
- Your blood group
How to file a complaint
If your rights were violated — police misconduct, illegal detention, injury in custody.
Content last checked: 24 July 2026
1. FIR / Zero FIR
For any cognizable offence, any police station must register your FIR — even outside its jurisdiction (“Zero FIR”, BNSS §173). You can also e-file in many states. Refusal to register is itself punishable; escalate in writing to the SP (BNSS §173(4)).
2. Complaint against police officers
Write to the SP / DCP / Commissioner and your State Police Complaints Authority. Include: date, time, place, officer name/ID, witnesses, injuries, and what happened. Keep a stamped copy.
3. Human Rights Commission
File with NHRC online at hrcnet.nic.in (or by post: NHRC, Manav Adhikar Bhawan, INA, New Delhi 110023), or your State Human Rights Commission. Free, no lawyer needed.
4. Magistrate
If police won’t act, a magistrate can order investigation on your complaint (BNSS §175(3)). For illegal detention, a lawyer can move habeas corpus in the High Court — contact DLSA for free help.
Copy-paste template (fill the blanks):
To: The Superintendent of Police / Commissioner, ____ Subject: Complaint of police misconduct on [date] I, [name], resident of [address], state that on [date] at approximately [time] at [place], officer(s) [name/ID if known, description otherwise] [describe what happened: detention without grounds / use of force / refusal to register FIR / seizure of phone]. Witnesses: [names/contacts]. Injuries/evidence: [medical records, photos, videos]. I request registration of an FIR, a copy of this complaint with a received stamp, and action under law. Date: ____ Signature: ____ Contact: ____
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