Within what timeframe must an arrested person be presented before a magistrate?

• A. Within 72 hours.
• B. Within 24 hours.
• C. Within 2 hours.
• D. Within 7 days.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to ensure immediate judicial oversight after arrest. An arrested person must be taken before a magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest. This time frame protects against arbitrary detention and lets the court quickly determine the legality of the arrest and any further detention. The count of 24 hours excludes the time needed to travel to the magistrate’s court, so the clock isn’t simply wall-to-wall counting if the journey takes time.

If producing the person within 24 hours isn’t possible for some reason, the police can seek a magistrate’s order for further detention after the person has been presented, but the initial requirement remains: the arrest must be reported to the magistrate within 24 hours.

Two hours is far too short for a proper production and review, while seven days or even 72 hours would allow far too much potential for abuse and would defeat the purpose of prompt judicial scrutiny.