24. Ban on admission and detention of persons of certain categories.
(1)Persons of unsound mind who are not accused or convicted of any offence shall not be admitted and detained in a prison.(2)No person shall be admitted and detained in a prison by way of protective custody or safe custody or on the ground of being required for giving evidence or being a victim of offence :Provided that a person of unsound mind committed to prison for safe custody under section 330 or section 335 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974) shall be admitted in prison and dealt with in accordance with law.(3)Juveniles, that is, persons who have not attained the age of eighteen years shall not be admitted and detained in a prison :Provided that a child under six years of age shall be admitted and kept in prison with its mother or, in exceptional cases, with its father, till attainment of the age of six years if it cannot be placed with relatives or otherwise properly kept elsewhere.(4)Persons required to give security for keeping the peace or for good behavior in accordance with the provisions of the Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974) shall not be admitted and detained in prison except under section 122 of the said Code.
