In an important verdict strengthening the constitutional guarantee for personal liberty, the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that every arrested person must be provided with the grounds of arrest in writing and in a language they understand -- irrespective of the nature of the offence or statute involved.

“In case(s) where, the arresting officer/person is unable to communicate the grounds of arrest in writing on or soon after arrest, it (shall) be done orally. The said grounds (shall) be communicated in writing within a reasonable time and in any case at least two hours prior to production of the arrestee for remand proceedings before the magistrate,” a Bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih said.

“In case of non-compliance, the arrest and subsequent remand would be rendered illegal

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