INTRODUCTION
As per the definition of the Collins Dictionary, Handcuffs are “two metal rings which are joined together and can be locked round someone’s wrists, usually by police during an arrest”. This practice has long been used by law enforcement. Supporters of the practice argue that it is necessary to ensure that the offender does not escape and also to ensure the protection of the officer. On the other side, critics argue that the practice of handcuffing is against human dignity and is an unnecessary practice. The history of handcuffing begins around 400 BC, when it was used to control and enslave prisoners of war. During the British period, handcuffs were extensively used against the revolutionaries to prevent them from escaping or hurting the officers.
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Article 21
This article states that nobody should be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law. Handcuffing would be a violation of Article 21 when it is used without proper justification or without any law authorizing the officer to do so. The right to live with dignity also comes within the ambit of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The use of handcuffs unnecessarily undermines the right to live with dignity.
Article 14
This article states that there should be equality before and equal protection of law must be provided within the territory of India. Handcuffing would be a violation of Article 14 if prisoners are handcuffed on the basis of arbitrary classification. Further, if prisoners with a higher status are not handcuffed while prisoners of a lower status are handcuffed despite both committing the same crime, it would be a violation of equal treatment under Article 14. It is important to note that Article 14 does not totally bar classification but such classification must be reasonable and based on intelligible differentia.
Article 15
This article prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, sex or place of birth. If a prisoner is handcuffed based on any of the above-mentioned distinctions, it would be violative of Article 15. Differential treatment on the use of handcuffs has to be based on a legitimate and objective criterion as defined by law.
LEGAL PROVISIONS
PRISONS ACT 1894
The prisons are regulated by the Prisons Act 1894. Section 46(7) of the act allows for the imposition of fetters of such manner and weight as may be prescribed by rules made by the state government. The imposition of fetters could take place when the prisoner commits any of the prison offences under Section 45 of the act. Such offences include willful damage to prison property, assault or use of criminal force, use of threatening language, immoral or indecent behavior etc. Section 46 also allows for other types of punishments for committing any offence under Section 45, including whipping, cellular confinement, hard labour etc. The last proviso to Section 46 states that punishments of handcuffs, fetters or whipping shall not be applicable to any female or civil prisoner. Under Section 56, the superintendent of jail is empowered to confine prisoners in irons if it is necessary for the safe custody of the prisoners. However, the sanction of the state government is required. Section 57 provides for imposition of fetters on prisoners who are under a sentence of transportation. This provision has become obsolete in the modern era as sentences of transportation are no longer given by the courts in India. During the British era, prisoners under sentence of transportation were sent to faraway places. An example of such a place would be Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Section 58 provides that no prisoner shall be ironed by the jailor except in case of urgent necessity.
BHARATIYA NAGARIK SURAKSHA SANHITA
The BNSS has brought back the use of handcuffs while arresting a person or producing a person before court. This is provided under Section 43(3) of the BNSS. However, it can only be used under certain limited circumstances. Handcuffs can be used against repeat offenders, those who have escaped from custody or offenders who have committed the offences of rape, murder, acid attack, organized attack, terrorist acts, offences against the state, drug related crimes, illegal possession of firearms, counterfeiting of coins and currencies. While this section is analogous to Section 46 of the CRPC, the latter did not have any provision for the use of handcuffs, though police officers could use necessary force to effectuate the arrest of a person who resists the arrest or attempts to evade the arrest. Section 43(3) is the creation of BNSS and was not present in the CRPC.
POSITION UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW
The UN General Assembly had adopted the UN Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners in 2015. This is also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. The rules prohibit the use of restraints that are inherently painful or degrading. Rule 47(1) says that the use of irons, chains and other instruments shall be prohibited if they are inherently painful or degrading. Rule 47(2) permits other methods of restraint as a precautionary measure during transfer of the prisoner by prison authorities if other methods of avoiding the prisoner from injuring others or damaging property fail.
PRECEDENTS
In the landmark case of Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration(1979), the petitioner was a convict who was serving a death sentence in prison. He has written a letter to the Supreme Court questioning the treatment of prisoners at Tihar Jail in Delhi. He had also made a mention of the torture of another prisoner by the head warden for the purpose of extracting money. The Supreme Court held that there cannot be an indiscriminate use of handcuffs by the jail officials and such use needs to be justified and not used as a form of punishment. The Court also added that the indiscriminate use of handcuffs is a violation of the right to live with dignity.
In the case of Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration(1980), the petitioner was taken from Tihar jail to the court in handcuffs. He had contended that the use of handcuffs was humiliating for the prisoners and filed a writ petition. The Supreme Court had once again held that handcuffing is an inhumane practice and is arbitrary and unreasonable unless justified by a fair procedure. The court had also come down heavily on the Punjab Prisoners Rules which made them classify prisoners on the basis of caste and family background. It was struck down for being violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. Handcuffs cannot be used unless there is a demonstrable risk that the prisoner is going to escape.
In the case of Citizens for Democracy v. State of Assam(1995), the Supreme Court had taken note of a letter from a journalist which spoke the detainees being handcuffed to their hospital beds despite the fact that the room was being guarded by several police officers and the room was barred. The court, while relying on the judgments of Sunil Batra and Prem Shukla, held that handcuffs and other fetters should not be forced on a prisoner, whether a convict or undertrial prisoner, while lodged in a jail anywhere in the country or while being transported one jail to another. The court also elucidated various guidelines;
- The police and jail authorities shall not have the power themselves to handcuff any inmate in prison or while transporting a prisoner from one jail to another.
- When the police or jail authorities have strong reasons to believe that the prisoner is going to escape, the permission for handcuffing the prisoner should be sought from the magistrate.
- When a person is arrested by the police and is remanded to either judicial or non-judicial custody, handcuffs cannot be used unless special orders are obtained from the magistrate at the time of granting the remand.
CONCLUSION
The use of handcuffs has been a controversial practice. It is considered to be violation of man’s right to live with dignity. The statutes passed during the colonial period such as the Prisons Act 1894 had express provisions related to the imposition of fetters and handcuffs. The Supreme Court has taken a very liberal stance with regard to the use of handcuffs, referring to the practice as “inhumane” and “degrading”. It also laid down guidelines which called for the use of handcuffs only in rare situations. The BNSS has prescribed the use of handcuffs under certain circumstances or when the prisoner has committed certain serious offences.
Contributed By : Kritavirya Choudhary (Intern)


Love their spacious and well-lit premises.
how to get cheap lisinopril without rx
Consistency, quality, and care on an international level.
A pharmacy that truly values its patrons.
how can i get generic clomid
The staff always remembers my name; it feels personal.
Love their range of over-the-counter products.
buy generic cytotec pill
Consistently excellent, year after year.
Their international collaborations benefit patients immensely.
drug prices lisinopril
They always keep my medication history well-organized.
Been relying on them for years, and they never disappoint.
buying lisinopril pills
The best place for quality health products.
Actually when someone doesn’t understand after that its up to other people that they will assist, so here it happens.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired! Very useful information specifically the last phase 🙂 I take care of such info much. I was looking for this particular information for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
Это позволяет читателям самостоятельно сформировать свое мнение.
Я нашел в статье несколько полезных советов.
Спасибо за эту статью! Она превзошла мои ожидания. Информация была представлена кратко и ясно, и я оставил эту статью с более глубоким пониманием темы. Отличная работа!
Надеюсь, что эти комментарии добавят ещё больше позитива и поддержки к информационной статье! Это сообщение отправлено с сайта GoToTop.ee
Ahaa, its fastidious conversation concerning this article here at this web site, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Fantastic items from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff previous to and you are simply too fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which by which you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more from you. That is really a tremendous website.
Wonderful, what a website it is! This web site provides useful data to us, keep it up.
Автор представляет аргументы разных сторон и помогает читателю получить объективное представление о проблеме.
Автор предоставляет анализ достоинств и недостатков различных подходов к решению проблемы.
Я оцениваю объективность и непредвзятость автора в представлении аргументов и фактов.
Hey I am so happy I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb work.
That is really fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for seeking extra of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Автор статьи предоставляет информацию с разных сторон, представляя факты и аргументы.
Статья представляет информацию о текущих событиях, описывая различные аспекты ситуации.
Статья предлагает объективный обзор исследований, проведенных в данной области. Необходимая информация представлена четко и доступно, что позволяет читателю оценить все аспекты рассматриваемой проблемы.
Good write-up. I definitely love this site. Thanks!
Hi, I read your blogs like every week. Your humoristic style is witty, keep up the good work!
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web site, as i want enjoyment, as this this website conations in fact fastidious funny material too.
Я бы хотел отметить актуальность и релевантность этой статьи. Автор предоставил нам свежую и интересную информацию, которая помогает понять современные тенденции и развитие в данной области. Большое спасибо за такой информативный материал!
Статья содержит информацию, подкрепленную надежными источниками, представленную без предвзятости.
Good way of explaining, and good piece of writing to obtain data about my presentation focus, which i am going to present in university.
Я оцениваю четкость и последовательность изложения информации в статье.
Я оцениваю использование автором разнообразных источников, что позволяет получить всестороннюю информацию.
Надеюсь, вам понравятся эти комментарии! Это сообщение отправлено с сайта GoToTop.ee
Автор предлагает дополнительные ресурсы, которые помогут читателю углубиться в тему и расширить свои знания.
Hey there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have got here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
Статья представляет широкий спектр точек зрения на проблему, что способствует более глубокому пониманию.
Я хотел бы поблагодарить автора этой статьи за его основательное исследование и глубокий анализ. Он представил информацию с обширной перспективой и помог мне увидеть рассматриваемую тему с новой стороны. Очень впечатляюще!
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality websites on the web. I am going to recommend this blog!
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is the little changes which will make the largest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Автор предлагает практические рекомендации, которые могут быть полезны в реальной жизни для решения проблемы.
Автор старается представить информацию нейтрально и всеобъемлюще.
Статья представляет информацию о различных аспектах темы, основываясь на проверенных источниках.
Статья представляет разные стороны дискуссии, не выражая предпочтений или приоритетов.
Автор статьи представляет информацию, подкрепленную различными источниками, что способствует достоверности представленных фактов. Это сообщение отправлено с сайта https://ru.gototop.ee/
Я хотел бы выразить признательность автору этой статьи за его объективный подход к теме. Он представил разные точки зрения и аргументы, что позволило мне получить полное представление о рассматриваемой проблеме. Очень впечатляюще!
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Автор статьи представляет информацию с акцентом на объективность и достоверность.
Автор статьи предоставляет информацию в понятной форме, избегая субъективных оценок.
Hey there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers
Why people still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world everything is existing on web?
Отличная статья! Я бы хотел отметить ясность и логичность, с которыми автор представил информацию. Это помогло мне легко понять сложные концепции. Большое спасибо за столь прекрасную работу!
Я оцениваю широкий охват темы в статье.
Great post.
Читателям предоставляется возможность обдумать и обсудить представленные факты и аргументы.
Статья содержит достаточно информации для того, чтобы читатель мог получить общее представление о теме.
Автор представляет аргументы с обоснованием и объективностью.
Я оцениваю широту покрытия темы в статье.
**aquasculpt**
aquasculpt is a premium fat-burning supplement meticulously formulated to accelerate your metabolism and increase your energy output.
**boostaro**
boostaro is a specially crafted dietary supplement for men who want to elevate their overall health and vitality.
**vivalis**
vivalis is a premium natural formula created to help men feel stronger, more energetic, and more confident every day.
**backbiome**
backbiome is a naturally crafted, research-backed daily supplement formulated to gently relieve back tension and soothe sciatic discomfort.
**hepato burn**
hepatoburn is a high-quality, plant-forward dietary blend created to nourish liver function, encourage a healthy metabolic rhythm, and support the bodys natural fat-processing pathways.
**synadentix**
synadentix is a dental health supplement created to nourish and protect your teeth and gums with a targeted combination of natural ingredients
**alpha boost**
alpha boost for men, feeling strong, energized, and confident is closely tied to overall quality of life. However, with age, stress, and daily demands
**nitric boost ultra**
nitric boost is a daily wellness blend formulated to elevate vitality and support overall performance.
**aqua sculpt**
aquasculpt is a revolutionary supplement crafted to aid weight management by naturally accelerating metabolism
**nervecalm**
nervecalm is a high-quality nutritional supplement crafted to promote nerve wellness, ease chronic discomfort, and boost everyday vitality.
**yusleep**
yusleep is a gentle, nano-enhanced nightly blend designed to help you drift off quickly, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling clear
**balmorex**
balmorex is an exceptional solution for individuals who suffer from chronic joint pain and muscle aches.
**prodentim**
prodentim is a distinctive oral-care formula that pairs targeted probiotics with plant-based ingredients to encourage strong teeth
**provadent**
provadent is a newly launched oral health supplement that has garnered favorable feedback from both consumers and dental professionals.
**mindvault**
mindvault is a premium cognitive support formula created for adults 45+.
**glycomute**
glycomute is a natural nutritional formula carefully created to nurture healthy blood sugar levels and support overall metabolic performance.
**glucore**
glucore is a nutritional supplement that is given to patients daily to assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar and metabolic rates.
**vitrafoxin**
vitrafoxin is a premium brain enhancement formula crafted with natural ingredients to promote clear thinking, memory retention, and long-lasting mental energy.
**femipro**
femipro is a dietary supplement developed as a natural remedy for women facing bladder control issues and seeking to improve their urinary health.
**vertiaid**
vertiaid is a high-quality, natural formula created to support stable balance, enhance mental sharpness, and alleviate feelings of dizziness
**tonic greens**
tonic greens is a cutting-edge health blend made with a rich fusion of natural botanicals and superfoods, formulated to boost immune resilience and promote daily vitality.
**gl pro**
glpro is a natural dietary supplement designed to promote balanced blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings.
**sugarmute**
sugarmute is a science-guided nutritional supplement created to help maintain balanced blood sugar while supporting steady energy and mental clarity
**prostavive**
prostavive Maintaining prostate health is crucial for mens overall wellness, especially as they grow older.
**sleep lean**
is a US-trusted, naturally focused nighttime support formula that helps your body burn fat while you rest.
**prime biome**
The natural cycle of skin cell renewal plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance by shedding old cells and generating new ones.
**gluco6**
gluco6 is a natural, plant-based supplement designed to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
**oradentum**
oradentum is a comprehensive 21-in-1 oral care formula designed to reinforce enamel, support gum vitality, and neutralize bad breath using a fusion of nature-derived, scientifically validated compounds.
Я оцениваю широту охвата темы в статье.
Я просто восхищен этой статьей! Автор предоставил глубокий анализ темы и подкрепил его примерами и исследованиями. Это помогло мне лучше понять предмет и расширить свои знания. Браво!
Tremendous issues here. I’m very satisfied to look your post. Thank you a lot and I am looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Статья представляет анализ разных точек зрения на проблему, что помогает читателю получить полное представление о ней.
Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your views are fastidious designed for new people.
Статья помогла мне расширить свои знания и глубже понять рассматриваемую тему.
**biodentex**
biodentex is a dentist-endorsed oral wellness blend crafted to help fortify gums, defend enamel, and keep your breath consistently fresh.
**wildgut**
wildgut is a precision-crafted nutritional blend designed to nurture your dogs digestive tract.
Статья представляет интересный взгляд на данную тему и содержит ряд полезной информации. Понравилась аккуратная структура и логическое построение аргументов.
**prostadine**
prostadine concerns can disrupt everyday rhythm with steady discomfort, fueling frustration and a constant hunt for dependable relief.
**mitolyn**
mitolyn is a plant-forward blend formulated to awaken metabolic efficiency and support steady, sustainable weight management.
Статья предоставляет полезную информацию, основанную на обширном исследовании.
**ignitra**
ignitra is a premium, plant-based dietary supplement created to support healthy metabolism, weight management, steady energy, and balanced blood sugar as part of an overall wellness routine
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was once a amusement account it. Look advanced to more brought agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
**neurosharp**
neurosharp is a next-level brain and cognitive support formula created to help you stay clear-headed, improve recall, and maintain steady mental performance throughout the day.
**finessa**
Finessa is a natural supplement made to support healthy digestion, improve metabolism, and help you achieve a flatter belly.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Cheers!
**herpafend**
herpafend is a natural wellness formula developed for individuals experiencing symptoms related to the herpes simplex virus.
**neuro sharp**
neurosharp is a next-level brain and cognitive support formula created to help you stay clear-headed, improve recall, and maintain steady mental performance throughout the day
**aqua sculpt**
aquasculpt is a premium metabolism-support supplement thoughtfully developed to help promote efficient fat utilization and steadier daily energy.
**alpha boost**
For men, feeling strong, energized, and confident is closely tied to overall quality of life. However, with age, stress, and daily demands
**ignitra**
ignitra is a thoughtfully formulated, plant-based dietary supplement designed to support metabolic health, balanced weight management, steady daily energy, and healthy blood sugar levels as part of a holistic wellness approach.
**mitolyn**
mitolyn is a carefully developed, plant-based formula created to help support metabolic efficiency and encourage healthy, lasting weight management.
**backbiome**
back biome is a naturally crafted, research-backed daily supplement formulated to gently relieve back tension and soothe sciatic discomfort.
**gl pro**
gl pro is a natural dietary supplement formulated to help maintain steady, healthy blood sugar levels while easing persistent sugar cravings. Instead of relying on typical drug-like ingredient
**vivalis**
vivalis is a premium, plant-forward supplement created to help support mens daily drive, self-assurance, and steady energy.
**prostabliss**
prostabliss is a carefully developed dietary formula aimed at nurturing prostate vitality and improving urinary comfort.
**zencortex**
zencortex Research’s contains only the natural ingredients that are effective in supporting incredible hearing naturally.
**nitric boost**
nitric is a daily wellness formula designed to enhance vitality and help support all-around performance.
**provadent**
provadent is a recently introduced oral wellness supplement thats been receiving positive attention from everyday users as well as dental experts.
**finessa**
finessa is a natural supplement made to support healthy digestion, improve metabolism, and help you achieve a flatter belly. Its unique blend of probiotics and nutrients works together to keep your gut balanced and your body energized
**gluco tonic**
gluco tonic is an expertly formulated dietary supplement designed to help maintain balanced blood sugar levels naturally.
Это позволяет читателям самостоятельно сделать выводы и продолжить исследование по данному вопросу.
**biodentex**
biodentex is an advanced oral wellness supplement made for anyone who wants firmer-feeling teeth, calmer gums, and naturally cleaner breath over timewithout relying solely on toothpaste, mouthwash, or strong chemical rinses.
**purdentix**
purdentix is a dietary supplement formulated to support oral health by blending probiotics and natural ingredients.
**glucotonic**
glucotonic is an expertly formulated dietary supplement designed to help maintain balanced blood sugar levels naturally.
**nervecalm**
nervecalm is a high-quality nutritional supplement crafted to promote nerve wellness, ease chronic discomfort, and boost everyday vitality.
**sugar mute**
sugarmute is a science-guided nutritional supplement created to help maintain balanced blood sugar while supporting steady energy and mental clarity.
**revitag**
revitag is a daily skin-support formula created to promote a healthy complexion and visibly diminish the appearance of skin tags.
**prodentim**
prodentim is a distinctive oral-care formula that pairs targeted probiotics with plant-based ingredients to encourage strong teeth, comfortable gums, and reliably fresh breath.
**vittaburn**
vitta burn is a liquid dietary supplement designed to support healthy weight management by elevating metabolic activity, curbing cravings, and encouraging fat reduction.
**bloodarmor**
BloodArmor is a research-driven, premium nutritional supplement designed to support healthy blood sugar balance, consistent daily energy, and long-term metabolic strength
**mounjaboost**
MounjaBoost next-generation, plant-based supplement created to support metabolic activity, encourage natural fat utilization, and elevate daily energywithout extreme dieting or exhausting workout routines.
**men balance**
MEN Balance Pro is a high-quality dietary supplement developed with research-informed support to help men maintain healthy prostate function.
**breathe**
breathe is a plant-powered tincture crafted to promote lung performance and enhance your breathing quality.
I am genuinely thankful to the holder of this web site who has shared this enormous article at at this place.
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!
**prodentim**
ProDentim is a distinctive oral-care formula that pairs targeted probiotics with plant-based ingredients to encourage strong teeth, comfortable gums, and reliably fresh breath
**herpafend reviews**
Herpafend is a natural wellness formula developed for individuals experiencing symptoms related to the herpes simplex virus. It is designed to help reduce the intensity and frequency of flare-ups while supporting the bodys immune defenses.
**mounja boost**
MounjaBoost is a next-generation, plant-based supplement created to support metabolic activity, encourage natural fat utilization, and elevate daily energywithout extreme dieting or exhausting workout routines.
Это позволяет читателям анализировать представленные факты самостоятельно и сформировать свое собственное мнение.
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with your blog. It appears as though some of the written text in your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too? This may be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously. Kudos
Автор старается сохранить нейтральность и предоставить балансированную информацию.