When police officers wield powers of Special Executive Magistrate
The judicial custody and subsequent release of political leaders by a Special Executive Magistrate in Delhi have brought attention to police officers exercising magisterial powers. This role, operating under Section 15 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), allows senior police officers to handle functions like issuing prohibitory orders.
Why it matters
It highlights legal and governance debates surrounding the blurring lines between law enforcement and magisterial powers in India.
When police officers wield powers of Special Executive Magistrate left A police van carrying CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka entering the Mandir Marg police station in Delhi on Wednesday. SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ywh20k/article71608886.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/CJP%20POLICE%20DELHI%201.jpeg SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA NEW DELHI, 21/10/2026: A police vehicle carrying Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka (Unseen inside the van) at Mandir Marg police station, a special executive magistrate (SEM) on Wednesday ordered the release of Das and Ranka after the expiry of judicial custody in connection with the October 14 protest at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma / The Hindu The judicial custody and subsequent release of Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) have brought the powers of SEMs into focus.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in