Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita allows handcuffs in grave cases

CrPC, which defined 'arrests how made', gave unbridled powers to authorities to arrest a person under Section 46, allowing use of reasonable force to effect an arrest or prevent the escape of an accused person. The use of handcuffs falls under this provision and police personnel are authorised to use them if they deem it necessary. However, on various occasions the apex court had advised against using handcuffs, except in exceptional circumstances, while producing a suspect before a court.