Can Police Arrest a Woman at Night? Adv. Ashwini Dhannawat Launches ‘Law & Power’ Awareness Appeal in Jalna

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Jalna | Navratri 2026

Can a woman be arrested after sunset and before sunrise? This important question is at the heart of a women’s legal awareness message being promoted through Law & Power, a Navratri initiative of Inner Wheel Club of Jalna Horizon, undertaken by Advocate Ashwini Dhannawat under the leadership of club president Suchita Bagdiya.

What Indian law says about arresting women at night

Section 43(5) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 provides that, except in exceptional circumstances, no woman shall be arrested after sunset and before sunrise. In an exceptional case, a woman police officer must submit a written report and obtain prior permission from the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class having local jurisdiction. This is a safeguard, not an absolute prohibition on every night-time arrest.

Advocate Ashwini Dhannawat’s message

“This Navratri, let us celebrate women’s strength through knowledge of the law. Every woman should understand her rights, ask questions without fear and seek timely legal assistance. I urge women to benefit from the Law & Power project and turn legal awareness into real confidence and empowerment,” said Adv. Ashwini Dhannawat in the proposed campaign message.

Inner Wheel and community service

Under president Suchita Bagdiya’s leadership, Inner Wheel Club of Jalna Horizon is associating the festive celebration of feminine strength with practical legal literacy. Inner Wheel is part of a worldwide women’s voluntary service movement that promotes friendship, service and stronger communities.

Women should also know their right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and to consult a lawyer. For assistance, they can approach local legal services authorities; India’s legal aid helpline is 15100.

Source: Law Trend; BNSS Section 43(5).