In the landmark case Shekar Shamu
v. State of Maharashtra (1997), the Supreme Court addressed the issue of police custody and the rights of arrested persons. The Court held that: Which principle regarding police custody was established in Shekar Shamu
v. State of Maharashtra?

In Shekar Shamu v. State of Maharashtra (1997), the Supreme Court held that police custody is not automatic upon police request; it must be authorized by a Magistrate who must be satisfied of "cogent reasons" justifying police custody. The Court emphasized that police custody should be the exception, not the rule, and should be granted only when necessary for investigation. This principle has been embedded in BNSS Section 187, which requires Magistrate authorization and satisfaction of necessity before extending police custody. The landmark judgment protects arrested persons from unreasonable prolongation of police custody and ensures judicial oversight of investigative procedures.