Karnataka High Court raps state for not setting up police complaint cell
Bengaluru: Expressing displeasure against the state government over the manner in which it is functioning with regard to Police Complaints Authorities, the High Court on Thursday warned, for the second time, that it will report to the Supreme Court.
The court observed that despite clear directions by the Supreme Court, the state is yet to establish the authorities in true spirit. Meanwhile when the court was informed that the state has filed an affidavit before the SC that it has established such establishments in district and taluk levels, the court took state to task observing that despite hearing the case for almost an year and concrete steps have still not been taken for effective functioning of it, and further added that it will report to the Supreme Court.
The court had earlier directed the state government to submit the annual reports received from the State Police Complaints Authority along that of District Police Complaints Authorities.
“The decision of the State in the matter of establishment and functioning of the State Police Complaints Authority and the District level Police Complaints Authority, should be in public interest. Ad-hocism and uncertainty appears to be largely prevalent and the same will not bring the requisite dividend. Non-furnishing or delay in furnishing of the infrastructure for effective functioning of the Police Complaints Authorities both at the State and District level, would frustrate the object with which they have been established pursuant to the mandamus issued by the Apex Court in Prakash Singh’s case. Delay in taking the decision(s) and/or their implementation, would be detrimental to public interest,” the court had observed.
The court has now adjourned the matter to March 9 after the state informed that it will report on the meeting which was held in presence of Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, the Registrar, State Human Rights Commission and the Secretary, and others.
Notice to Congress leader
The High Court on Thursday ordered issue of notice to Congress party leader M.Narayanaswamy following election petition filed against him and others, for violating election code in the recently held Council polls. It is alleged that Narayanaswamy asked voters to swear in the name of god that they would vote for him.
