
In Indian law, NBW stands for Non-Bailable Warrant. NBWs are issued by a court of law when a person fails to comply with a court order or when the person is a suspect or accused in a criminal case and fails to appear before the court. They are one of the most serious legal instruments issued by Indian courts, as they compel the arrest of an individual and place discretion in the hands of the court to grant bail.
Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) in Indian Law
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Non-Bailable Warrant |
| Issuing Authority | Magistrate or Court |
| Applicable Laws | Section 70 to 81 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) |
| Execution | Arrest of the accused and production before the court |
| Validity | Remains in force until the person is arrested or the warrant is cancelled |
| Legal Remedies | Anticipatory bail, cancellation of NBW, inherent powers of the High Court to quash the NBW |
| Related Offences | Failing to appear in court, violating bail conditions, not responding to a summons, contempt of court, property disputes, immigration violations, economic offences, family disputes |
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What You'll Learn

NBWs are issued when a person fails to comply with a court order
In India, Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) are issued by a court of law when a person fails to comply with a court order. NBWs are distinct from bailable warrants, which allow the accused to seek bail as a matter of right. NBWs, on the other hand, authorise the police to arrest the accused and bring them before the court, with the discretion to grant bail resting with the court.
The process of issuing an NBW typically begins with a complaint or petition filed before a court of law, containing a detailed account of the allegations or violations committed by the accused. The court then examines the complaint and determines whether an NBW is warranted. If deemed necessary, the NBW is issued to the police or other law enforcement agencies, empowering them to arrest the accused and ensure their presence before the court.
NBWs are commonly issued in criminal cases where the accused has failed to appear before the court, absconded, or is believed to be at risk of fleeing or tampering with evidence. For example, if an individual is suspected of a crime and fails to appear before the court despite multiple summons, the court may issue an NBW. Similarly, in cases of economic offences such as fraud, money laundering, or tax evasion, NBWs may be issued if the accused fails to appear or absconds.
In addition to criminal cases, NBWs may also be issued in civil matters such as family disputes (divorce or child custody) and property disputes when a person fails to comply with court orders related to possession or ownership. NBWs can also be issued for contempt of court, including cases where an individual fails to pay a fine, violates a court order, or interferes with the administration of justice.
It is important to note that being the subject of an NBW is a serious matter and can have significant consequences. Failing to appear before the court after an NBW has been issued can lead to additional legal complications and further damage one's case. Therefore, it is crucial to seek legal counsel, understand one's rights, and take appropriate steps to address the situation.
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NBWs are issued when a person is accused of a serious offence
In the Indian legal system, a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) is a type of arrest warrant issued by a court when an individual is accused of a serious offence. NBWs are issued when the court believes that the accused may try to evade arrest, tamper with evidence, pose a threat to public safety, or not cooperate with the judicial process.
The issuance of an NBW begins with a complaint or petition filed before a court of law. This complaint or petition must contain a detailed account of the allegations against the accused. The court then scrutinises the complaint and determines whether an NBW is warranted. NBWs are typically issued in cases where the accused has failed to appear before the court, violated bail conditions, failed to respond to a summons, or absconded.
Once an NBW is issued, the police are empowered to arrest the accused and produce them before the court. The NBW remains in force until the person is arrested or the warrant is cancelled. It is important to note that, unlike bailable warrants, NBWs do not grant the accused an automatic right to bail. The discretion to grant bail lies with the court.
If an individual is facing an NBW, they have several legal remedies available. They may approach the court that issued the warrant with justifiable reasons for their non-appearance. They can also apply for anticipatory bail or seek the cancellation of the NBW before their arrest. Additionally, the High Court has the power to quash an NBW if it is deemed arbitrary or issued without due process.
NBWs are a serious matter, and seeking legal advice is crucial if one has been issued against an individual. Understanding the implications and exploring legal options with the help of a lawyer is essential to protect one's rights and navigate the complex legal landscape.
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NBWs are executed upon arrest
In Indian law, NBW stands for Non-Bailable Warrant. A non-bailable warrant is a judicial order issued by a magistrate or court that directs the police to arrest a person and produce them before the court. It is one of the most serious legal instruments issued by Indian courts.
Non-bailable warrants are executed upon arrest. According to Section 70 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC), a warrant of arrest must be in writing, signed by a magistrate, bear the seal of the court, include the name and designation of the executant of the warrant, indicate the clear name and address of the accused, state the offence with which the accused is charged, indicate the date of issue, and indicate the date of appearance. The warrant remains in force until it is executed or cancelled by the court that issued it.
If the accused is residing outside the local jurisdiction, the police will either arrest them or submit the warrant to the police station in their residing area, as mentioned in the complaint. If the accused is in another state, the court sends the NBW to the local police station of that state, often through the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district where the accused lives. The local police then locate and arrest the accused, bringing them before the issuing court. The NBW is valid until the person is arrested or the warrant is cancelled.
The NBW is executed within the stipulated time period of between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. of the day. If the NBW is executed outside this time, the time period is extended by a judge, and the police officer must inform the appropriate authority. The arrested person must be produced in court without any delay, within 24 hours of arrest.
It is important to note that non-bailable warrants do not provide the accused with an automatic right to bail. Instead, the discretion to grant bail is placed in the hands of the court. Legal remedies are available for those facing NBWs, including anticipatory bail and the quashing of the NBW by the High Court if it was issued arbitrarily or without due process.
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NBWs can be cancelled or converted into a Bailable Warrant
Non-bailable warrants (NBWs) are serious legal instruments issued by Indian courts. They mandate the immediate arrest of an individual without the possibility of being released on bail until they appear before the court. NBWs are typically issued for serious offences, such as heinous crimes, violence, or cases where the accused is likely to flee or pose a threat to society.
It is important to note that NBWs should be a last resort when other measures, such as summons and bailable warrants, fail to secure the presence of the accused. In some cases, NBWs may be issued prematurely or without valid justification. In such instances, it is possible for NBWs to be cancelled or converted into bailable warrants.
To challenge an NBW, it is crucial to understand the reason for its issuance. If there are valid reasons for non-appearance or if circumstances have significantly changed since the issuance of the NBW, these can be presented to the court as grounds for cancellation. For example, improved behaviour, rehabilitation, or other mitigating factors can be considered. Additionally, demonstrating a willingness to cooperate with the investigation and ensuring compliance with future court dates can strengthen the case for cancellation.
Voluntarily appearing before the court and turning oneself in can also work in favour of the accused when seeking bail. An experienced attorney specialising in criminal law can provide valuable advice and representation throughout this process, helping to build a strong defence strategy and coordinate the surrender process.
In summary, while NBWs are serious legal instruments, they can be cancelled or converted into bailable warrants under certain circumstances. Seeking legal counsel, understanding the reasons for issuance, and demonstrating a willingness to cooperate with the legal process are crucial steps in effectively addressing an NBW.
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NBWs are issued in property disputes
In India, non-bailable warrants (NBWs) are issued by a court of law when an individual fails to comply with a court order or is a suspect or accused in a criminal case. NBWs are one of the most serious legal instruments issued by Indian courts. They are different from bailable warrants, which allow the accused to seek bail as a matter of right. NBWs, on the other hand, compel the arrest of an individual and place discretion in the hands of the court to grant bail.
The implications of an NBW are serious, and understanding one's legal rights and remedies is crucial. Legal remedies are available to those facing NBWs. For example, the accused may approach the same court that issued the warrant with justifiable reasons for non-appearance. If an NBW is issued before an arrest, anticipatory bail can be sought before the Sessions Court or High Court. Additionally, the High Court can exercise its inherent powers to quash an NBW if it is deemed arbitrary or issued without due process.
It is important to note that the process of issuing NBWs requires careful consideration by the court. As per the Supreme Court in Inder Mohan Goswami v. State of Uttaranchal (2007), courts must apply a judicial mind and avoid the mechanical issuance of NBWs. This ensures that the serious implications of NBWs are considered and that the rights of individuals are protected.
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Frequently asked questions
NBW stands for Non-Bailable Warrant.
A Non-Bailable Warrant is a type of arrest warrant issued by a court when a person is accused of a serious offence and the court believes the individual may flee or not cooperate.
NBWs are issued when a person fails to comply with a court order or when the person is a suspect or accused in a criminal case and fails to appear before the court. NBWs are also issued when an individual is accused of a non-bailable offence.
If you receive an NBW, it is important to take it seriously and seek legal advice immediately. You can approach the court through a lawyer and apply for anticipatory bail or cancellation of the NBW before arrest.

































