Under Section 57, a person may be arrested if he refuses to give:

Section 57 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898 empowers a police officer to arrest a person without a warrant if the individual refuses to provide his name or place of residence when lawfully required. This provision is intended to prevent evasion of the law and ensure that individuals can be properly identified during investigations or inquiries.

Providing accurate personal information is a legal obligation, particularly when an officer suspects that the person may be involved in a cognizable offence or unlawful activity. Refusal to give a name or address can hinder investigations, allow the person to escape legal accountability, and compromise public safety.The provision allows the police to maintain law and order effectively. Once arrested under Section 57, the person must be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours, where the lawfulness of the arrest and the reasons for refusal are examined. This ensures a balance between the police's responsibility to enforce the law and the protection of individual rights.

By empowering officers to act when individuals refuse identification, Section 57 helps in accountable policing, deterring evasive behavior, and aiding the judicial process in a timely and legal manner.

Key Facts:

• Relevant Law: Section 57 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898


• Grounds for Arrest: Refusal to provide name or residence


• Purpose: Ensure identification and accountability of individuals


• Procedure: Arrest → Produce before Magistrate → Record reasons


• Significance: Prevents evasion of law and supports timely investigation


• Scope: Applies to all persons lawfully required to provide identification


• Legal Balance: Protects public safety while respecting procedural rights