The word “accused” used in section 167 and in sections 169, 170 and 173 of the Code denote the suspected offender who has not yet come under the cognizance of court. It does not rest in the discretion of the Police-officer to keep such person in custody where and as long as he pleases. Under no circumstances, can he be retained for more than 24 hours without the special leave of the Magistrate under this section. Any longer detention is absolutely unlawful. The accused should actually be sent before the Magistrate; the police cannot have the accused in their custody and merely write for and obtain the special leave under this section for such detention. .....Ministry of Law, Justice & Parl. Afrs. =VS= BLAST, (Civil), 2017 (2)– [3 LM (AD) 274] ....View Full Judgment