Detention of child in place of safety

(1) Any Police Officer, not below the rank of Sub-Inspector or a person authorised in the manner prescribed may take to a place of safety any child in respect of whom an offence punishable under this Act or under Chapter XVI of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, has been or there is reason to believe has been or is likely to be. (2) A child so taken to a place of safety and, also any child who seeks refuge in a place of safety may be detained there until he can be brought before the Court, but such detention shall not, in the absence of a special order of the court, exceed a period of twenty-four hours exclusive of the time necessary for the journey from the place of detention to the court and the court may make such order as mentioned in Sub-section (3) or may cause the child to be dealt with as circumstances may admit and require until the charge made against any person in respect of any offence as aforesaid with regard to the child has been determined by the conviction, discharge or acquittal of such person. (3) Where it appears to the court that an offence as aforesaid has been or is likely to be committed in respect of any child who is brought before the court and that it is expedient in the interests of the child that an order should be made under this sub-section, the court may make such order as may be deemed necessary for the care and detention of the child for a reasonable time under this Act during the pendency of the enquiry. (2) A child so taken to a place of safety and, also any child who seeks refuge in a place of safety may be detained there until he can be brought before the Court, but such detention shall not, in the absence of a special order of the court, exceed a period of twenty-four hours exclusive of the time necessary for the journey from the place of detention to the court and the court may make such order as mentioned in Sub-section (3) or may cause the child to be dealt with as circumstances may admit and require until the charge made against any person in respect of any offence as aforesaid with regard to the child has been determined by the conviction, discharge or acquittal of such person. (3) Where it appears to the court that an offence as aforesaid has been or is likely to be committed in respect of any child who is brought before the court and that it is expedient in the interests of the child that an order should be made under this sub-section, the court may make such order as may be deemed necessary for the care and detention of the child for a reasonable time under this Act during the pendency of the enquiry.