Preventive Detentions in India Rise 23.7% in 2021, Reaching Over 1.1 Lakh Cases
India's preventive detentions increased by 23.7% in 2021 compared to 2020, with over 1.1 lakh people placed under such detention according to National Crime Records Bureau data. Preventive detention numbers have generally trended upward since 2017, though detentions under the National Security Act specifically declined from 741 in 2020 to 483 in 2021. The data raises concerns about the use of these exceptional powers, with legal experts noting they are often applied broadly and can take over a year to challenge in court.
According to the latest crime statistics from India's National Crime Records Bureau, preventive detentions surged to 1,10,683 cases in 2021, marking a 23.7% increase from 2020's 89,405 cases. Of these, 24,525 individuals remained in custody or detained at year-end—the highest figure since 2017 when NCRB began recording this metric. While overall preventive detentions rose, those specifically under the National Security Act declined to 483 from 741 in 2020. The data shows that most detentions fall under broadly-defined "Other Detention Acts" (79,514 cases), with smaller numbers under the Goonda Act and narcotic drug prevention laws. Legal experts highlight that preventive detention powers, authorized under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and various state laws, are frequently used to manage public order concerns and can take over a year to challenge in court, prompting the Supreme Court to recently caution that such exceptional powers should be used sparingly.
What's missing
The article does not provide state-wise breakdown of preventive detentions, nor does it offer comparative data on how India's preventive detention rates compare to other democracies. Additionally, while legal concerns are noted, the article lacks perspectives from law enforcement or government officials defending the use of these powers.
What different sources said
- The HinduCenter
Preventive detentions in 2021 up by 23.7% compared to year before
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