Maharashtra State PSC Model Paper 4

The correct answer is 24 hours.

• An arrested person should be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
• Article 22 of the Indian constitution provides protection against arbitrary arrest and detention.
• These 24 hours are excluded the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the Magistrate.
• No such person shall be detained in custody beyond the said period without the authority of a Magistrate.
• Preventive detention refers to taking one who has not committed a crime into custody by considering him as a threat to law and order.
• A person may be taken to preventive custody only for 3 months at the first instance.