der the BNSS, 2023, what is the maximum period for which police custody can be authorised, and how does it differ from the CrPC, 1973?

The BNSS, 2023 retains the 15-day cap on police custody (also called police remand) but introduces a significant change in its application. Under the CrPC, 1973, the 15 days of police custody had to be availed in the first 15 days of arrest, after which only judicial custody could be ordered. The BNSS modifies this by allowing the 15 days of police custody to be availed at any time during the initial 40 days (for offences punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years) or 60 days (for offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment above 7 years) of the total remand period. The 15 days need not be continuous. This change was made to address practical investigative needs where subsequent developments in the case require the accused to be in police custody after the initial 15-day window has expired.