Police in India can search a home without a warrant under certain circumstances as permitted by the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 and other relevant laws. While the general rule is that a search warrant is required to enter and search a private residence, the following are key exceptions:

When Can Police Search Without a Warrant?
1. Under Section 165 CrPC – Immediate Need
- If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that evidence is in a particular place and obtaining a
warrant would cause delay, they may conduct a search without one.

2. Under Section 166 CrPC – Request to Other Police Station
- If a search is needed outside the officer’s jurisdiction and delay in obtaining a warrant could defeat the
purpose, a search can be done by requesting assistance from the other station.

3. Under Section 41 & 42 CrPC – Arrest Without Warrant
- If police are making a lawful arrest without a warrant, they may search the premises for the accused or for
weapons, stolen property, etc.

4. Emergencies or Hot Pursuit
- In situations where the accused is being chased (hot pursuit), or if there's imminent danger to life,
evidence, or public safety, police may enter and search.

5. NDPS Act, Arms Act, and Other Special Laws
- Special statutes (e.g., Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) empower officers to search
premises without a warrant if they believe contraband is present and waiting for a warrant would hinder
the investigation.

Police can search a home without a warrant if there is immediate danger, a crime is in progress, evidence may be destroyed, or the person gives consent. It must be justified under urgent or exceptional circumstances.

Police can search a home without a warrant in India in certain situations. Under Section 165 of the Criminal Procedure Code, if the police believe that important evidence is present and getting a warrant would cause delay, they may conduct a search. Similarly, under Section 41, if police are arresting someone without a warrant and suspect relevant evidence is at their premises, they can search the place. In urgent cases like chasing a suspect or preventing harm, searches can also be done. Consent from the occupant also allows a legal search. Special laws like the NDPS Act or UAPA may also permit warrantless searches under specific circumstances.