CrPC Section 48
Section 48 CrPC – Pursuit of Offenders into Other Jurisdictions
This section deals with the authority of the police to pursue and arrest an accused person across territorial boundaries (jurisdictions).
Main Provision
If a person accused of committing a crime is trying to escape arrest and runs outside the local limits of the police station or district where the crime occurred,
The police officer in charge has the authority to pursue the accused beyond those territorial limits and arrest him anywhere in India.
Key Points
No Territorial Restriction:
Normally, police officers have power within their jurisdiction (like their police station or district). But under Section 48, if an accused escapes, the police can legally chase and arrest him even outside their jurisdiction.
Continuity of Pursuit:
The police must be in active pursuit of the accused. It cannot be a random arrest in another area unless it follows a chase or a continuous investigation.
All-India Scope:
The authority is not limited to one State or Union Territory. A police officer can pursue the accused to any part of India.
Cooperation with Local Police:
While this section permits direct pursuit, in practice, the police usually inform or coordinate with the local police of the area where the arrest is made (for administrative and legal convenience). But the law itself gives them authority without needing prior permission.
Purpose of Section 48
To prevent offenders from escaping the law simply by crossing into another district, city, or state.
Ensures smooth functioning of law enforcement across India without being obstructed by jurisdictional boundaries.
Example
Suppose a theft occurs in Delhi. The accused flees towards Uttar Pradesh.
The Delhi Police, under Section 48, can chase the accused into UP and arrest him there.
They do not have to stop at the state border or wait for UP Police permission.
However, after arrest, the accused should be presented before the nearest Magistrate or as per the procedure in CrPC.
✅ In summary:
Section 48 CrPC gives police officers the authority to pursue and arrest offenders beyond their jurisdiction, anywhere in India, if the pursuit is continuous.
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