New Delhi: Delhi Police has notified new procedures for handcuffing suspects during their transportation to courts, hospitals, and other locations. The order outlines that handcuffs may be used in cases involving serious crimes. Specific protocols have been laid out for different categories of accused, including mandatory back handcuffing for high-risk individuals. Notably, young adults aged 18 to 21 years may ordinarily not be handcuffed without prior court approval, ensuring safeguards for vulnerable detainees.As per the order and in accordance with Section 43(3) of the BNSS, handcuffs will be used when arresting or producing individuals involved in serious offences, such as organised crime, terrorism, drug-related crimes, illegal possession of arms and ammunition, murder, rape, acid attacks, counterfeiting currency or coins, human trafficking, sexual offences against children, or crimes against the state.The standing order states that if investigating officers (IOs) or escorting police officers decide that the use of handcuffs is necessary, there are points they should keep in mind. It includes conducting a thorough risk assessment, considering the individual’s criminal history, likelihood of escape, and behavioural profile. Special attention must be given to medical conditions, age, injuries, disabilities, and mental health before deciding on the method and necessity of handcuffing.“Police may use back handcuffing, especially for high-risk categories such as gangsters, high-value targets, or individuals flagged as dangerous. However, for those with medical or physical limitations, front-handcuffing is permitted,” the order says. During transportation— whether for custody parole, hospital visits, or productions—officers may use front-handcuffing with chains.In public transport, such as buses, trains, or flights, similar discretion applies. Police may remove or adjust the handcuffs when the UTP, convict, detenue, or accused person needs to use the washroom. In exceptional situations, one hand may remain cuffed and secured with a chain, with the other end held by the escorting officer to ensure safety and prevent escape. Similarly, during meals, the handcuffs may be adjusted to allow the person to eat comfortably.Importantly, officers must seek written permission from the courts when using handcuffs during police remand. “Young adults, aged between 18 and 21 years, arrested or detained may ordinarily not be handcuffed without written permission from the court,” the order states. For hospitalised individuals, handcuffs are discouraged, though precautions must be taken to prevent escape. Additionally, the use of fetters is permitted only with court authorisation.Delhi Police has directed that certain categories of undertrial prisoners, convicts, detenues, and accused persons should not be handcuffed routinely. These include the elderly, those with injuries, and persons with physical disabilities or mental health conditions. Handcuffs may only be used in such cases under extraordinary circumstances. Also, female accused may not be handcuffed in a routine manner and handcuffs may be used only in extraordinary circumstances.
