The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 (Central Act 33 of 1920).

For sub-section (2) of section 1, the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:- “(2) It extends to the whole of the Telangana Area of the State of Andhra Pradesh.” ANNEXURE. The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 (Central 33 of 1920) as modified by the aforesaid Schedule. An Act to authorise the taking of measurements and photographs of convicts and others. Whereas it is expedient to authorise the taking of measurements and photographs of convicts and others; It is hereby enacted as follows:- Short title and extent. Definitions. 1. (1) This Act may be called the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920; and (2) It extends to the whole of the Telangana Area of the State of Andhra Pradesh. 2. In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context :- (a) „measurement‟ includes finger impressions and footprint impressions; (b) „police officer‟ means an officer in charge of a police station, a police officer making an investigation under Chapter XIV of 3the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, or any other police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector; and (c) „prescribed‟ means prescribed by rules made under this Act. 3. Every person who has been- (a) convicted of any offence punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term of one year or upwards, or of any offence which would render him liable to enhanced punishment on a subsequent conviction; or (b) ordered to give security for his good behaviour under section 118 of 4the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, shall, if so required, allow his measurements and photograph to be taken by a police officer in the prescribed manner. 4. Any person who has been arrested in connection with an offence punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term of one year or upwards shall if so required by a Police Officer, allow his measurements to be taken in the prescribed manner. 5. If a Magistrate is satisfied that, for the purposes of any investigation or proceeding under 4the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, it is expedient to direct any person to allow his measurements or photograph to be taken he may make an order to that effect, and in that case the person to whom the order relates shall be produced or shall attend at the time and place specified in the order and shall allow his measurements or photograph to be taken, as the case may be, by a police officer: Taking of measurements, etc., of convicted person. Taking of measurements, of non-convicted persons. Power of Magistrate to order a person to be measured or photographed. Provided that no order shall be made directing any person to be photographed except by a Magistrate of the first class: Provided further that no order shall be made under this section unless the person has at some time been arrested in connection with such investigation or proceeding. Resistance to the taking of measurements, etc. Destruction of photographs and records of measurements, etc. on acquittal. Power to make rules. 6. (1) If any person who under this Act is required to allow his measurements or photograph to be taken resists or refuses to allow the taking of the same, it shall be lawful to use all means necessary to secure the taking thereof. (2) Resistance to or refusal to allow the taking of measurements or photographs under this Act shall be deemed to be an offence under section 186 of the Indian Penal Code. 7. Where any person who, not having been previously convicted of an offence punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term of one year or upwards has had his measurements taken or has been photographed in accordance with the provisions of this Act, is released without trial or discharged or acquitted by any Court, all measurements and all photographs (both negatives and copies) so taken shall, unless the Court or (in a case where such person is released without trial) the District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Officer for reasons to be recorded in writing otherwise directs, be destroyed or made over to him. 8. (1) The State Government may make rules for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, such rules may provide for- (a) restrictions on the taking of photographs of persons under section 5; (b) the places at which measurements and photographs may be taken; (c) the nature of the measurements that may be taken; (d) the method in which any class or classes of measurements shall be taken; (e) the dress to be worn by a person when being photographed under section 3; and (f) the preservation, safe custody, destruction and disposal of records of measurements and photographs. 9. No suit or other proceeding shall lie against any person for anything done, or intended to be done in good faith under this Act or under any rule made thereunder. Bar of suits.