What is BNSS Section 32?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 32: Aid to Person, Other Than Police Officer, Executing Warrant

When a warrant is directed to a person other than a police officer, any other person may aid in the execution of such warrant, if the person to whom the warrant is directed is near at hand and acting in the execution of the warrant.

Brief Detail

Section 32 allows individuals to assist a non-police person tasked with executing a warrant, provided that the person to whom the warrant is directed is nearby and actively working to execute the warrant.

Q1: Who Can Assist in Executing a Warrant Directed to a Non-Police Officer?

A: Any person can assist, as long as the warrant-holder is present and acting to execute the warrant.

Q2: Is There Any Limitation on Providing Assistance?

A: Yes, assistance is only valid if the person holding the warrant is nearby and actively involved in executing it.

Example

• Example 1: A government officer, authorized to execute a warrant, seeks help from nearby individuals to restrain a person resisting arrest. Assistance can legally be provided.
• Example 2: A citizen observes an official trying to execute a property warrant and assists in securing the location. This is lawful under Section 32.

Summary

Section 32 empowers any person to assist in executing a warrant assigned to a non-police officer, but only if the warrant-holder is nearby and actively engaged in its execution.