Can the police arrest me automatically if an FIR is filed?

No. In Arnesh Kumar v State of Bihar (2014) 8 SCC 273 the Supreme Court held that for offences punishable with imprisonment of 7 years or less, automatic arrest is barred. The police must record reasons under §35(7) BNSS 2023 (former §41A CrPC) and issue a notice of appearance first. Failure to follow Arnesh Kumar can be raised in your anticipatory-bail application as a ground.

Is anticipatory bail time-limited or does it end on the day of arrest?

It is NOT time-limited. The 5-judge Constitution Bench in Sushila Aggarwal v State (NCT of Delhi) (2020) 5 SCC 1 settled that anticipatory bail can continue till the end of trial unless the court chooses to limit it, and does not automatically end the moment the accused is summoned or appears. Earlier contrary views were overruled.

What interim protection can I ask for between filing and the first hearing?

You can pray under §482(2) BNSS 2023 for interim protection — typically a no-coercive-action / no-arrest order — pending notice to the State and the final hearing. Courts grant this routinely where the offence is bailable, the offence is ≤7 years and Arnesh Kumar applies, or where the FIR appears motivated. In Satender Kumar Antil v CBI (2022) 10 SCC 51 the Court reinforced that "bail is the rule, jail is the exception", especially for Category A/B offences.

Criminal Defence

Anticipatory Bail — §482 BNSS 2023 (formerly §438 CrPC)

Apprehending arrest in a non-bailable case? Apply for pre-arrest bail at the Sessions Court (or High Court) under §482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.

§482 BNSS 2023 Pre-arrest protection Bilingual EN + HI

1. Pick the alleged offence category

2. Fill applicant + FIR details

3. Your draft application

Key Supreme Court safeguards

Sushila Aggarwal (2020)

(2020) 5 SCC 1 — Constitution Bench held anticipatory bail need NOT be time-limited; it can extend till end of trial.

Arnesh Kumar (2014)

(2014) 8 SCC 273 — For offences with ≤ 7 years punishment, police must record reasons for arrest; routine arrest barred.

Satender Kumar Antil (2022)

(2022) 10 SCC 51 — Categorised offences A-D; for Category-A (≤ 7 years) bail is the rule.

⚠️ This generator produces an indicative draft. Anticipatory bail is a high-stakes proceeding — ALWAYS engage a criminal-side advocate before filing.

Anticipatory Bail — §482 BNSS 2023 (formerly §438 CrPC)

1. Pick the alleged offence category

§85/§86 BNS (dowry/498A)

§318/§316 BNS (cheating)

§115/§117 BNS (hurt)

SC/ST Act §3 allegation

§329/§331 BNS (trespass)

Other non-bailable section