Tamil Nadu Police to Observe Public Grievance Day Twice a Week
The decision comes in view of the large number of complaints received daily at police stations
Chennai: In a significant move to improve grievance redressal and public access to policing services, the Tamil Nadu Police has announced that every Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm will be observed as "Public Grievance Day" across the state.
According to an official press note issued by the office of Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal on June 23, the initiative has been introduced to ensure effective redressal of public grievances and enhance accessibility to police services.
The decision comes in view of the large number of complaints received daily at police stations, including cases related to money cheating, financial fraud, exorbitant interest demands, assault, life-threatening complaints, minor disputes, family conflicts, accidents, cybercrime, online fraud and other grievances.
Under the directive, senior police officers at all levels—including Commissioners of Police in cities, Inspector Generals of Police in zones, Deputy Inspector Generals in ranges, Superintendents of Police in districts, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners in cities, Sub-Divisional Officers in districts and Station House Officers—will personally receive petitions from the public on the designated days.
The officers will interact directly with petitioners, examine their grievances and issue necessary directions to concerned officials for appropriate legal action and follow-up. An acknowledgement will also be provided for every petition received.
The press note stated that officers have been instructed to ensure prompt action and dispose of petitions, as far as possible, within 15 days in accordance with the law.
The directive also emphasises citizen-friendly treatment of complainants. Members of the public are to be received with due respect, offered seating immediately, treated cordially and provided basic amenities such as seating arrangements and drinking water.
It further stated that if any Unit Head or supervisory officer is unable to attend due to official commitments or unavoidable circumstances, the next senior officer in the hierarchy will conduct the grievance session, receive petitions, interact with complainants and ensure follow-up action without fail.
