What does Section 58 allow a police officer to do?

Section 58 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898 provides a police officer with the authority to pursue offenders beyond their local jurisdiction. Normally, police powers are limited to the area of their station, but Section 58 specifically allows officers to chase and apprehend offenders anywhere within Pakistan if the situation demands it. This provision ensures that criminals cannot escape justice simply by moving from one jurisdiction to another.

The law recognizes the practical challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking offenders who attempt to evade arrest by crossing boundaries of police stations or districts. Section 58 ensures continuity in police action and prevents offenders from exploiting jurisdictional limitations. Police officers, however, must still act lawfully, respect individual rights, and follow proper procedures while exercising this power.

This section does not extend to foreign countries, meaning that international pursuit requires separate legal arrangements such as extradition treaties. It is designed to maintain a balance between effective law enforcement and legal accountability, ensuring that offenders can be brought to justice efficiently while the rights of the public are protected.

Key Facts:

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  Section 58 empowers police to pursue offenders anywhere in Pakistan.

  
  


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  Removes jurisdictional limits of a police station in urgent situations.

  
  


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  Ensures offenders cannot escape justice by moving across districts.

  
  


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  Police must still follow lawful procedures during pursuit.

  
  


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  Does not permit international pursuit; extradition is required for foreign countries.

  
  


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  Balances efficient law enforcement with protection of individual rights.