Which category of person may be arrested without warrant if proclaimed as an offender?

Under Section 54(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898, a person may be arrested without a warrant if they have been proclaimed as an offender by the Provincial Government. This provision applies when an individual has evaded the law and is officially declared a proclaimed offender due to non-appearance before the court or failure to comply with legal notices.

The law empowers authorities to take immediate action against such offenders without the need for a separate arrest warrant. This ensures that individuals who deliberately avoid legal proceedings can be apprehended and brought to justice efficiently. The proclamation by the Provincial Government acts as a formal legal declaration that the person is an absconder.

The provision balances the need for law enforcement and public safety with procedural requirements. Arresting a proclaimed offender without a warrant is intended to prevent delays, obstruction of justice, and potential further offences by absconding individuals. Following the arrest, the person must be produced before the court and all procedural safeguards must be maintained, ensuring the rights of the accused are respected.

Key Facts:

• Relevant Law: Section 54(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898


• Who Can Be Arrested: Persons proclaimed as offenders by the Provincial Government


• Purpose: Enables timely arrest of absconding individuals


• Legal Requirement: No warrant needed once proclamation is made


• Procedure: Arrest → Produce before court → Maintain legal safeguards


• Significance: Prevents obstruction of justice and ensures law enforcement efficiency


• Scope: Applies to proclaimed offenders who evade court proceedings