Police & notices › Stopped or detained by police
Police asking to check my phone on the street
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- What happened? They took my phone / laptop
Where you stand
- Next step A seized phone can be returned by applying to the court with the seizure memo.
Papers to gather
- Time, place, police station, and officers' names or badge numbers
Needed for any complaint or bail. Where: Write it down as soon as you can. - Make, model, IMEI of the seized phone and the seizure receipt
Needed to apply for its return. Where: Phone box / bill (IMEI). - Names and numbers of people who saw it
Supports your version. - Your ID and, if driving, licence, RC and insurance
Most stops end quickly when papers are in order. Where: DigiLocker / wallet.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- Arrest memo, seizure memo, notice or FIR copy — Your lawyer needs these first.
What the law says
Under the BNSS, an arrested person must be told the grounds of arrest, can have a relative or friend informed, can meet a lawyer, and must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. For many offences police issue a notice to appear instead of arresting. Seized items, including phones, must be listed in a seizure memo.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- Is this happening right now?
- Were you given any paper (memo, notice, FIR copy)?
Similar situations
- Picked up by police without being told why
- Police stopped my car and asked for money
- Family member taken to police station at night
- Police beat me in custody
Sources
The full guide: Police stopped, searched or detained me or a friend, or took my phone · All situations