Saket police summoned me at 2 am, kept me for 12 hours without informing me of the grounds, and released me without charge. Is this legal?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The actions of the Saket police in summoning you at 2 am, detaining you for 12 hours without informing you of the grounds, and subsequently releasing you without charge are likely illegal and infringe upon your constitutional rights.

Under the Indian Constitution, Article 22 provides specific protections against arbitrary arrest and detention. Here are the key points regarding your situation:

• Right to be Informed: Article 22(1) mandates that any person arrested must be informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest. The police's failure to inform you of the grounds of your detention constitutes a violation of this provision.
• Right to Counsel: Article 22(1) also states that you have the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of your choice. If you were not allowed this right during your detention, it further exacerbates the illegality of the police's actions.
• Detention without Charge: Article 22(2) stipulates that every person who is arrested and detained in custody shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours of such arrest, excluding the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the magistrate. Keeping you for 12 hours without producing you before a magistrate violates this provision.
• Legal Provisions: The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973, specifically Section 57, reinforces the requirement that an arrested person must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. Failure to comply with this requirement can make the detention unlawful.
• Compensation for Illegal Detention: If the detention is found to be illegal, you may seek compensation for the unlawful detention through civil suits against the police under the provisions of the Constitution and relevant tort law.

In summary, the actions of the Saket police appear to violate your fundamental rights as protected under the Constitution of India. You may consider consulting a lawyer to explore legal remedies for this unlawful detention, including filing a complaint against the police. Additionally, you may file a writ petition in the High Court to seek justice and protection of your rights.