Section 41 of The Kerala Police Act, 2011 View Chapter 5

Police action in offences requiring special authorisation.

(1) A Police Officer, who is not authorised by rank or jurisdiction under any special law to arrest or seize a person or object who had manifestly involved in a cognizable offence, may keep that person or object for a maximum period of six hours so as to render it possible for another legally competent Police Officer or authority to come and take lawful action.

(2) The authority under sub-section (1) shall be used by a Police officer only in circumstances under which there is the reasonable possibility that the accused is likely to escape or that evidence may be destroyed due to the absence of competent officer or authority, unless he acts as such.

(3) A Police Officer acting as such shall, subject to legal practicability, in the presence of competent witnesses available, keep the person or the object at a place which is reasonable, suitable and appropriate under that special circumstance.