Pramesh S Jain
In an effort to improve transparency and accountability in the department and contain corrupt practices,the Director General and Inspector General of Police,Dr.MA Saleem has directed the police officials not to entertain cases which are civil in nature .
Giving a stern warning to the officials,Mr.Saleem in his circular issued on Tuesday said that the any police officers despite knowing the complaint is purely civil in nature and try to help or mediate in such cases,will be considered as criminal misconduct and dereliction of duty .
Such officials are dealt with severely through departmental inquiry.
The circular addressing the responsibilities and limitations of police officers in civil disputes.
The circular containing a list of do’s and don’ts also discussed the jurisdiction of civil disputes and the role of police in resolving civil right.
Police officers should not interfere in civil disputes,such as those involving property titles,possession,providing security,mediate in other civil rights.
These matters are under the jurisdiction of civil courts, not the police,the circular specified .
The police have no authority to demand documents or adjudicate civil rights disputes between parties,Mr. Saleem said citing the Department of Home Affairs instruction to ensure that police officers adhere to these guidelines and not interfere in civil matters.
Citing the specific instances,the circular stated that if the police officials receive a complaint which is civil in nature then the officials should inform about the same and advised the complaint to approach court.The matter should be brought to the notice of the seniors .
The police can only act if there is any criminal acts found in the nature of the complaint and should be dealt accordingly by invoking appropriate provisions under BNS.
The police can act on civil cases only on the directions of the courts and not otherwise,the circular warned .
This is not new,even the earlier state police chief and city police commissioners have issued many reminders and circulars warning police officials to stay way from civil dispute, which according to the is the major source of corruption in the department .
