The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides protection against arrest and detention in certain cases. It grants specific procedural safeguards to individuals arrested under ordinary laws to ensure personal liberty and prevent arbitrary state action.
Statement 1 is Correct:
According to Article 22(1), no person who is arrested shall be detained in custody without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest. This ensures the detainee understands the reason for the deprivation of their liberty.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
Article 22(2) mandates that every person arrested and detained in custody must be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of 24 hours of such arrest. This time limit excludes the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the magistrate. The statement incorrectly mentions 48 hours.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Article 22(1) explicitly states that no person shall be denied the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal practitioner of their choice. Access to legal counsel is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution.
Key Takeaway:
Under Article 22, an arrested person has three primary rights: the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest, the right to consult a legal practitioner, and the right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.