Arrest of Persons
Section – 54 – Examination of arrested person by medical officer –
(1) When any person is arrested, he shall be examined by a medical officer in the service of Central or State Government, and in case the medical officer is not available, by a registered medical practitioner soon after the arrest is made.
Provided that where the arrested person is a female, the examination of the body shall be made only by or under the supervision of a female medical officer, and in case the female medical officer is not available, by a female registered medical practitioner.
(2) The medical officer or a registered medical practitioner so examining the arrested person shall prepare the record of such examination, mentioning therein any injury or marks of violence upon the arrested person, and the approximate time when such injuries or marks may have been inflicted.
(3) Where an examination is made under sub-section (1), a copy of the report of such examination shall be furnished by the medical officer or registered medical practitioner, as the case may be, to the arrested person or the person nominated by such arested person.
Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 undoubtedly provided for examination of an arrested person by a medical practitioner at the request of an arrested person and it is a right conferred on the arrested person; Sheela Barse Vs. State of Maharashtra (AIR 1983 SC 378)