Chhattisgarh Court Rules Police Custody Under 'Voluntary Cooperation' Violates Article 22

A court in Chhattisgarh has declared that detaining a suspect in police custody under the guise of voluntary cooperation violates Article 22 of the Indian Constitution. The ruling clarifies that such pretext cannot be used to sidestep the safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention. Article 22 protects individuals from unlawful detention and ensures that any arrest must be lawful, necessary and justified. The decision is expected to prompt a review of police procedures across the state, ensuring that voluntary cooperation is not used as a loophole for extended custodial periods. Police officials and legal experts are advised to align their practices with the court’s directive to avoid future legal challenges.