Under Section 187 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS

Explanation:   Section 187 of the BNSS, 2023 , a Magistrate may authorise the detention of the accused in police custody. 1. Maximum police custody: 15 days in the whole (same as CrPC) 2. New addition: Can be taken in parts, at any time during: First 40 days → if total investigation period is 60 days (less severe offences) First 60 days → if total investigation period is 90 days (severe offences: punishment ≥ 10 years/life/death) 3. Under old CrPC: Police custody had to be exhausted within the first 15 days only, could not be sought later. 4. The 15-day total cap remains; what changes is the window within which it can be sought.