Within how much time must the arrested person be produced before the Magistrate?

Section 31 of the PERA Force Laws establishes the procedure for handling individuals who have been arrested under the Authority’s jurisdiction. One of the most vital legal safeguards provided in this section is the requirement that an arrested person must be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.

This provision aligns with the constitutional guarantee of personal liberty and mirrors the principles enshrined in criminal procedure law. The 24-hour rule prevents the misuse of enforcement powers and ensures that no person is detained arbitrarily or without judicial oversight. Once an arrest has been made, the Enforcement Officer or Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO) must arrange for the suspect to be presented before a Magistrate promptly, excluding travel time if applicable.

The purpose of this legal requirement is twofold: first, it provides judicial scrutiny over the actions of enforcement officials, and second, it protects the rights of the accused by ensuring they are aware of the reasons for their arrest and are given access to legal recourse. Failure to produce the arrested person before a Magistrate within the stipulated time may render the detention illegal or unconstitutional.

In the context of the PERA Force Laws, this rule underscores the Authority’s commitment to lawful enforcement and procedural fairness. While officers are empowered to act decisively under Section 31, they must also adhere strictly to the procedural timelines that safeguard citizens’ rights.

In summary, Section 31 of the PERA Force Laws ensures that every arrest is followed by timely judicial oversight — requiring that the arrested person be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours. This balance between enforcement power and human rights protection forms the cornerstone of lawful and accountable governance under the PERA framework.