Police Duties
Police Duties
Introduction
1. Police are one of the most ubiquitous organisations of the society. The policemen,
therefore, happen to be the most visible representatives of the government. In an hour
of need, danger, crisis and difficulty, when a citizen does not know, what to do and
whom to approach, the police station and a policeman happen to be the most
appropriate and approachable unit and person for him. The police are expected to be
the most accessible, interactive and dynamic organisation of any society. Their roles,
functions and duties in the society are natural to be varied, and multifarious on the one
hand; and complicated, knotty and complex on the other. Broadly speaking the twin
roles, which the police are expected to play in a society are maintenance of law and
maintenance of order. However, the ramifications of these two duties are numerous,
which result in making a large inventory of duties, functions, powers, roles and
responsibilities of the police organisation.
prevention of crimes;
(f) to accurately register all complaints brought to them by a complainant or his
representative, in person or received by post, e-mail or other means, and take
prompt follow-up action thereon, after duly acknowledging the receipt of the
complaint;
(g) to register and investigate all cognizable offences coming to their notice
through such complaints or otherwise, duly supplying a copy of the First
Information Report to the complainant, and where appropriate, to apprehend
offenders, and extend requisite assistance in the prosecution of offenders;
(h) to create and maintain a feeling of security in the community, and as far as
possible prevent conflicts and promote amity;
(i) to provide, as first responders, all possible help to people in situations arising
out of natural or man-made disasters, and to provide active assistance to other
agencies in relief and rehabilitation measures;
(j) to aid individual, who are in danger of physical harm to their person or
property, and to provide necessary help and afford relief to people in distress
situations;
(k) to facilitate orderly movement of people and vehicles, and to control and
regulate traffic on roads and highways;
(l) to collect intelligence relating to matters affecting public peace, and all kind of
crimes including social offences, communalism, extremism, terrorism and
other matters relating to national security, and disseminate the same to all
concerned agencies, besides acting, as appropriate on it themselves.
(m) To take charge, as a police officer on duty, of all unclaimed property and take
action for their safe custody and disposal in accordance with the procedure
prescribed.
(n) To train, motivate and ensure welfare of police personnel
Sec (57), Model Police Act 2006
(b) guide and assist members of the public, particularly senior citizen, women,
children, the poor and indigent and the physically or mentally challenged
individuals, who are found in helpless condition on the streets or other public
places or otherwise need help and protection;
(c) provide all requisite assistance to victims of crime and of road accidents, and
in particular ensure that they are given prompt medical aid, irrespective of
medico-legal formalities, and facilities their compensation and other legal
claims;
(d) ensure that in all situations, especially during conflict between communities,
classes, castes and political groups, the conduct of the police is always
governed by the principles of impartiality and human rights norms, with
special attention to protection of weaker sections including minorities;
(e) prevent harassment of women and children in public places and public
transport, including stalking, making objectionable gestures, signs, remarks or
harassment caused in any way;
(f) render all requisite assistance to the members of the public, particularly
women, children, and the poor and indigent persons, against criminal
exploitation by any person or organised group; and
(g) arrange for legally permissible sustenance and shelter to every person in
custody and making known to all such persons provisions of legal aid
schemes available from the Government and also inform the authorities
concerned in this regard.
(h) preserve, promote and protect human rights and interests of weaker sections,
backward classes, poor, weak and the downtrodden.
Sec (58), Model Police Act 2006
6. Collection of Intelligence
Police are required to collect intelligence about:
a) any incident of law and order
b) political activities
c) labour activities
d) student activities and agitations thereof
e) communal tensions and events
f) employees' associations and strikes by them
g) criminal activities
h) miscellaneous activities and events tending to destroy peace
and tranquility.
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discharge their various duties and functions better, if they obtain good understanding
of the philosophy, principles and tenets of conflict resolution and conflict
management.
Citizens come to police with various complaints against one others which
are in the form of conflicts.
b) There are issues, which themselves are in the nature of conflicts and the
citizens expect the police to resolve them.
c)
In almost all cases which the police handle there are two or more
contending parties, and there are adversarial situations which generate
conflicts.
The conflicts, which the police face and handle, could be issue, individual
and law based.
f)
In most conflict cases before police, they are often not themselves part of
the conflicting situations, but at times, they while handling these cases
come in clash with the issues, parties and situations, and, thus, they
become part of the conflict and their status and position in the context of
conflict resolution become topsy-turvy.
g) In order to avoid such situations and for empowering police to handle and
resolve the conflicts in a better way, they should be well-equipped in
academic, administrative, psychological and legal contexts.
Conflict : Conceptualization
9. The realism of the term conflict is quite fluid, dynamic and ambiguous in nature. It
may mean different things to different people. The gamut of conflict is also quite vast.
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Causes of Conflict
10. There can be an end number of reasons for emergence and birth of various
conflicts. Women, wealth, property, rights, claims, interests, ego, resource allocation,
religion, ideologies, governance, partisan attitudes, etc, etc. can be some of the
reasons which may give rise to conflicts. These causes could be classified in two
categories i.e. underlying causes and immediate causes. The basis of various conflicts
could be personal, social, cultural, political, religious, psychological, anthropological,
administrative and legal. The police officer handling a conflict should go into its roots
and should see the various facets of the conflict and should also look into the various
legal aspects while bringing about its resolution.
Stages of Conflict
11. A conflict is a dynamic situation and it passes through various stages. These
stages move through in a life cycle situation, from its emergence to its resolution.
These stages could be : Formation, Escalation, Endurance, Improvement, Settlement
or Resolution, Reconstruction and Reconciliation.
11.1 At the formation stage, a situation of conflict moves from its latent state to
manifest state. At the latent state, a conflict remains in the nature of social tensions,
differences and disagreements which are hidden and under developed. At the manifest
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state a conflict becomes more prominent and more central in its overall dynamics. At
this stage a conflict reaches threshold of confrontation, clash and even violence. A
police officer should keep a close watch on the latent state of conflicts, particularly
the ones which have Law and Order, communal and terrorism overtones. If these
situations are handled effectively at the stage of formation, great damage can be
avoided, if the dormant situations of criminality and Law and Order are not tackled
efficiently and timely, they might not only get manifested in graver forms and may
even degenerate into worse forms and may obtain its next stage called escalation. The
police officers should make best of their efforts when the situations of conflict are in a
state of escalation, because if they are not properly handled at this stage, they will
obtain a state of resistance and endurance. Handling of conflict, at this stage, indeed,
is a tough and difficult task. Use of force might be required. With appropriate use of
force, the deteriorating situations may be put to a state of improvement, which would
reduce the persisting endurance and resistance to a de-escalating state. When a
conflict reaches this stage, its settlement and resolution will become smoother and
easier. A conflict resolution would require the following seven dimensional
mechanism.
Completeness - the issues in the conflict have disappeared or cease to be
important
Acceptability - the outcome is acceptable to all parties, not just to one or to their
elites
Self supporting - there is no necessity for third party sanctions to maintain the
agreement
Satisfactory - all parties perceive the outcome as just according to their value
system
Uncompromising - no goals have been sacrificed in the form of compromise
solutions
Innovative - the solution establishes new, positive and legitimate relations
between the parties
Unforced - the agreement was arrived at without imposition by an outside force.
11.2 These criteria are extremely demanding and few conflicts can be said to have
ended so completely. A satisfactory settlement of a conflict is often the best result
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that can be attained. However, keeping the various desirable aspects of conflict
resolution in mind, may help in producing settlements that are more satisfactory
and likely to lead, in the long run to a genuine resolution.
Intervention Levels
12. For an effective resolution of conflicts timely intervention at the following
levels is required :
Personal
Local
National
Regional
International or Global
12.1 Intervention for conflict resolution should adopt the following strategies :
Step-by-step
Procedural framework
End picture
12.2 The step-by-step, procedural framework and the end picture strategies of
intervention focus on different aspects of conflict resolution on different time scales.
These aspects need to be integrated in a comprehensive process of conflict resolution
and transformation. These strategies are, thus, complementary to one another.
Conflict transformation
e)
Consultation
f)
Conciliation
g) Mediation
h) Negotiation
i)
Arbitration
j)
Problem solving
Multi-track interventions
gains, reduces legal costs; improve the quality and acceptability of outcomes.
ADR has a positive potential to affect the long term of relationships of
contending parties.
ADR has been successfully applied in issues concerning labor management and
employment matters, family discord and domestic strife, petty criminal cases,
business affairs, public disputes, environmental concerns and intellectual
differences.
ADR has provided a useful alternative to the adversarial justice system and has
given relief to various vulnerable groups like women, juvenile, workers etc.
ADR presents an effective alternative to resolve disputes and includes in its
ambit the collaborative approaches to reach agreements such as unassisted
negotiations and assisted problems solving, as well as, voluntary third party
decision making procedures.
The spirit of ADR mechanism is to create a Win-Win- situation in place of WinLose situation of the adversarial system.
Objective of ADR
16. Some of the goals and objectives of ADR are following:
a)
f)
18. Since the policemen are expected to work and function in the given legal frame
work, their awareness about the ADR mechanism is quite inadequate. Consequently,
the acceptability level and the level of the use and utility about the ADR mechanism
is also quite inadequate. If ADR is to be adopted for the police department, and for
their functioning, the level of awareness, acceptability and utility shall have to be
improved. Police department, by dint of their role, functions and overall contribution
to the justice system are in a position to cooperate, coordinate and participate in the
ADR system. This is an appropriate time for introducing and adopting ADR in the
police department. An appropriate committee should be set up to examine the extent,
nature and scope of ADR in the police department.
Precautions
19. Following precautions should be taken for using and utilizing the ADR
mechanism in the police department.
i.
ii.
Police can put in sincere and honest efforts to facilitate the contending
parties to reach solution of their disputes, at their own level, particularly in
petty, compoundable and ordinary criminal cases.
iii.
While playing the role of a facilitator, helping the parties to the ADR, the
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police should always remain fair, impartial and neutral and must always
avoid a partisan attitude and approach.
iv.
Their approach and attitude should not be infected with ulterior motives and
vested interest.
v.
ADR approach to police working can be usefully utilized in the area of Law
and Order maintenance, non-cognizable cases and the cases which have
overtones of being resolved by ADR efforts.
vi.
vii.
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Chapter 2
Subject to approval of the Government, he may from time to time frame such orders
not inconsistent with the Police Act, as he shall deem expedient, relating to the
general administration and distribution of the force, the places of residence, the
inspection of units, the collection and communication of intelligence, modernization
and such other matters with a view to keeping the force efficient in the discharge of
all its duties.
21.1 The Director General of Police is empowered to make Rules and Orders under
Police Act. Important Orders and Rules involving radical changes may be issued by
the Director General and Inspector General of Police with the prior approval of the
Government.
21.3 The Director General of Police will send in advance copies of his tour
programme to the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Chief Secretary and Home
Secretary. Copies will also be sent to the Commissioners of Police, Addl. Directors
General of Police, Inspectors General of Police, Dy. Inspectors General of Police,
Superintendents of Police and other related officers.
the Director General of Police or the Addl. Director General of Police in the
Administration of matters of the Police Department which come within the purview of
the Units of the Department, placed under their charge. They may exercise all the
administrative and financial powers delegated to the head of the department. They
shall inspect all the units under their charge in accordance with the scale of
inspections prescribed by the Director General of Police. Whenever they go on tour
within the jurisdiction they shall send in advance the copies of their tour programme
to the Addl. Director General of Police and Director General of Police and to the
concerned Police officers.
24.1 The Inspector General of Police is responsible for the maintenance of strict
discipline among officers of all ranks. He should be kept promptly informed of all
serious cases of misconduct among officers occurring in his range. He is responsible
for guiding and directing the efforts of Range DIGs and Superintendents of Police in
dealing with such cases, for scrutinizing their reports and for making personal
enquiries in cases where exigencies of the matter so demand.
24.2 The Inspector General of Police has a large measure of administrative control
within his division/zone. His powers in the matters of appointments, postings, leave,
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rewards, punishments and appeals will be in accordance with the instructions, orders
and rules notified by the Government. He can exercise the financial and
administrative powers of a head of department.
24.3 The Inspector General of Police shall be easily accessible to all members of the
public. He shall hear their grievances and do his best to redress them. He shall meet
the members of the public at convenient centers in various taluks, and take steps to
improve police-public relations.
24.4 Whenever the Zonal Inspector General of Police visits a range or district
headquarters, he shall make it a point to see all superior Police Officers who are still
on probation so that he can assess the progress of their training and check the work
done by them. It is the duty of the Inspector General of Police to ensure that steps are
taken for the prevention of crime and particularly, adequate arrangements are made
for dealing with any unusual outbreak of crimes. It is also his duty to exercise
constant supervision over the course of investigation of cases and ensure that Superior
officers take adequate part therein. He shall closely watch the investigation of
complicated and important cases. He shall aid and control his Range DIGs and
Superintendents of Police in the investigation of important cases and the
Superintendent of Police should be able to rely on him for encouragement,
instructions and advice.
25.1 The Deputy Inspectors General in charge of special units shall assist the Director
General or the Additional Director General or the Inspector General, as the case may
be, in the efficient discharge of all the duties which come within the purview of their
jurisdiction. The general power, duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Inspectors
General of Police are applicable to the Deputy Inspectors General of Police in charge
of Special Units also.
Superintendent of Police
26. The administration of the Police throughout a district or part thereof shall be fully
vested in the superintendent of Police. His work is of varied nature and in doing it, he
should keep in view the following essential requirements:a) to keep the district peaceful and the public satisfied with the security
afforded to persons and property;
b) to keep the force under control, in good discipline, well-trained,
efficient and contented;
c) to maintain cordial relations with the magistracy and other officials and
non-officials;
d) to ensure that the transport, arms and ammunition, stores and buildings
belonging to the department are maintained in good condition;
e) to promote good police-public relations;
f) to organize good intelligence arrangements.
g) To acquire full and detailed knowledge of the district and its current
problems from the Police point of view;
h) to participate, to the extent possible and permissible, in welfare
activities sponsored by official and non-official agencies;
i) to gain the confidence and loyalty of sub-ordinates by personal
integrity, impartiality, devotion to duty, and a high sense of justice;
j) to ensure by consistent supervision that the prevention, investigation
and detection of crime in his district are properly and efficiently dealt
with by the force under his command;
k) to get to know all officers and men serving under him, redress their
grievances if any, encourage those who are promising and effectively
deal with those who are guilty of misconduct or remiss in the discharge
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of duty;
l) to ensure the honesty and integrity of his subordinate officers;
m) to study crimes and criminals in his district as a whole; and
n) to pay surprise visits to the police stations at irregular intervals and
check up whether officers and men are alert.
26.1 The Superintendent of Police should consider it a part of his duty, as far as
possible to give the Sub-Divisional Officers the benefit of his personal guidance and
instruction whenever necessary. A Sub-division, wherein an officer is acting for the
first time as sub-divisional Police Officer, should be visited as soon as possible after
the latter has settled down. The sub-divisions in-charge of junior officers should be
visited frequently.
26.2 When in headquarters the Superintendent of Police shall attend office on all
workdays and shall ordinarily transact all official business in his office. He may
however discuss confidential matters in his home-office. He shall be easily accessible
to officials and members of the public generally. The Superintendent of Police shall
make necessary arrangements for the transaction of all urgent and important work
during the period of casual leave availed by him or by any of his sub-Divisional
Officers. The Superintendent of Police shall take steps to ensure that the prosecuting
and investigating officers show due interest in the prosecution of cases in court and
that no case fails on account of apathy or neglect.
26.3 The Superintendent of Police should be fully informed of all activities in his
districts that have a bearing on law and order and he must take precautions to ensure
that such activities do not result in breach of peace. He should also require his
subordinates to keep him fully informed of all the developments and he should use his
District Special Branch staff to secure information in regard to such developments.
The Superintendent of Police is personally responsible to prevent problems arising out
of communal tensions and to take prompt action whenever there is any communal
problem.
Stations in the same district at which extra force is required to deal with an emergency
or to make arrangements in connection with fairs, festivals, meetings, processions or
the visit of VIPs. The Superintendent of Police is responsible for ensuring that his
assistants and deputies work efficiently, and it is his duty to bring to the notice of the
Inspector General and DIG and the Director General of Police, any defects of
character or temperament or want of zeal, which detract them from their utility as
Police Officers.
26.5 The Superintendent of Police should deal with crime as a whole, studying the
criminal problems of districts, rather than merely visiting individual scenes of
offences, a duty which more properly falls upon the Sub-Divisional Police Officers
and other subordinates who have the main responsibility to ensure that investigations
are conducted in the manner prescribed. The Superintendent of Police should visit the
scene of offences and supervise the investigation of SR case like: Dacoity, Highway
robbery, Murder, Culpable Homicide not amounting to murder, H.B. and theft of a
sensational nature, Any disturbances, riot, or affray of heinous nature, Theft of a
sensational nature, Case of counterfeit coins and currency notes, Offences under
section 400 and 401 IPC, Conspiracy case, Any case of specially heinous nature.
26.6 The Superintendent of Police should immediately visit the scenes and enquire
personally into serious occurrences endangering life and property such as heavy
floods, train or boat disasters and fires which involve heavy loss of life or property.
26.7 The Superintendent of Police should tour all parts of his district, remaining
longer in the troublesome localities. In addition to inspecting the police stations, he
should visit villages and make himself acquainted with the members of the Village
Defence Parties, Citizens Committees, Village officials and principal inhabitants,
endeavoring to gain their confidence and co-operation and at the same time
ascertaining the state of crime and enquiring into the work of his subordinates.
26.8 He should take special steps to improve the rapport between the police and the
public by holding conferences of important and influential members of the public at
convenient centres. He should take the assistance of District and Taluk level
integration Committees with a view to promoting peace and understanding among
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26.9 The Superintendent of Police should maintain a diary which should contain
details of all the movements and every type of duty performed by him whether of a
routine nature or otherwise and whether in headquarters or on tour. Police Motor
Transport should be given personal attention by the Superintendent of Police, who
should inspect all Motor Vehicles at least once in a month to ensure timely repairs and
maintenance. The Superintendent of Police will send a monthly report to the Director
General of Police through the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of
Police.
29.1 On reaching the scene of crime a Sub-Divisional Police Officer shall inspect it
and examine all the witnesses. He shall then study the case thoroughly and discuss the
evidence available and further evidence to be collected and ensure that the case
dairies are written promptly and correctly under his supervision. He should normally
remain in the scene of occurrence with the Investigating Officer and continue to
supervise till the investigation is virtually completed. In cases where definite clues are
not forthcoming, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer and the Circle Inspector of Police
should camp in the village of occurrence till the case is detected or till, even after
sustained and vigorous efforts, it is decided for want of further time, to leave further
investigation to the local Officers. They should, however, resume the supervision of
the investigation as soon as possible if necessary. In case the Sub-Divisional Police
Officer receives information about the occurrence of another heinous crime while
engaged in the supervision of the investigation of a case, he should decide whether the
second case requires his immediate attention and if he feels that it is necessary for him
to proceed for the supervision of the investigation of the second case immediately, he
should give detailed instruction to the Circle Inspector of Police and the Sub-Inspector
regarding the lines of further investigation to be pursued before leaving the place of
offence. If necessary, he should return to the supervision of the investigation of the
first case after completing the supervision of investigation of the second case. If, on
the other hand, he feels that the investigation of the first case is more important than
that of the second, he should continue the supervision of investigation of the first case
and proceed after its completion for the supervision of investigation of the second
case.
29.2 In case the Sub-Divisional Officer receives information about the occurrence of a
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heinous crime while engaged in inspection, he should stop his inspection, proceed to
the scene of offence, and resume inspection after his visit to the scene of heinous
offence.
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Chapter 3
ii.
The Inspector must thoroughly inspect each PS of his circle once in a year,
should constantly and systematically tour throughout his circle. He should
make enquiries about bad characters, the state of crime, community policing
and general efficiency of police work. He should visit each of his Police
Stations once in a month, check the current work of the Station, and give
necessary instructions, pointing out errors, entering the same in the visitors'
note book and sending a copy to the SDPO. He shall enter in the visitors book
the details of cases in which instructions issued relating to delay in
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During his visits to the Police Stations, he shall scrutinize the station crime
history and see whether all cases have been entered correctly and the register
is maintained property. He should peruse duty roster to see whether beats are
properly detailed and checked. He should also check beats himself and visit as
many villages as possible and see that he visits all villages once in a year. The
villages visited by the Inspector shall be noted in the village roster maintained
by him. The SDPO must watch the progress of village visits by the Inspector.
iv.
The inspector must inspect twice a year, the books, shops, premises and stocks
of all licenced manufactures and vendors of arms, ammunition and military
stores. He shall also inspect all licenced revolvers/pistols at the licencees
residence in the first quarter of each year.
v.
The Inspector shall assume charge of investigation in all grave crimes and be
responsible from the initial stages till the finalization and prosecution of the
cases. He shall personally investigate any other important case, or if the SDPO
or Superintendent of Police orders him to do so. He shall write the case diaries
in all cases that are investigated by him. On the occurrence of a crime of any
importance, the Inspector should proceed to the spot without delay, to
supervise and guide the investigation and take charge of the direction and coordination of all work. Where the Inspector takes up the investigation, he shall
continue till it takes a definite shape. If however he has to leave the
investigation for some unavoidable reasons, to be recorded in writing, he must
come back as soon as possible and continue the investigation till the case takes
a definite shape. In case he has to leave a case during investigation he should
record in his case diary the opinion he has formed of the cases so far as well as
detailed instructions regarding the line of further action.
vi.
riot taking place in his presence. The Inspector should be present on the
occasion of large festivals and public assemblies and supervise the police
arrangements.
At the close of the week, the Inspector shall submit a weekly diary. He should
enter in it the work done by him and any other matter of departmental interest.
When the Inspector leaves his headquarters, his halting places and the village
visited, the distance traveled and the manner of performing journey should be
given. The weekly diary should be dispatched on Monday containing the
details up to previous Saturday night. If any thing of importance has occurred
on Sunday or in a journey undertaken by him on Sunday, the same also will be
incorporated in the diary. Besides the weekly diaries, the Inspector must also
send special and immediate reports on any important or urgent matters, which
occur, in his circle. He shall also send a monthly itineration report also. The
Inspector shall forward to his immediate superior case diaries in cases
investigated by him. He shall send a copy of the case diary to the station where
the crime is registered and retain one copy with himself.
35.1 The Sub-Inspector in charge of a Police Station is fully responsible for the Police
Administration of his charge. The Sub-Inspector is an important and vital functionary
in the police department. He shall be responsible for proper management of the station
and optimum utilization of the resources and facilities available. It shall be his duty to
manage the staff and work of the police station in accordance with the law and rules
and to make the police station a place where the needy public gets necessary and
immediate response. The image of the police department basically reflects on the
conduct and behaviour of the Sub-Inspector and his staff in the station, as it is at that
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point, public has a direct access with the police. The Sub-Inspector and his staff
should behave politely and courteously with the public giving an impression of
friendly approach. Active co-operation from Citizen Committees shall be solicited in
the matters of L&O, crime prevention etc. All illegal methods or ill treatments against
persons should be avoided at all costs giving way to an impression to the public that
the police are there to extend their helping hand in the discharge of their duties. The
Sub-Inspector must respect human values and human dignity and should know that
powers are vested in him to discharge his duties legitimately but not to arrogate to
satisfy his ego and vanity. If he crosses his limits he will be doing so at his risk as the
department will not come to his rescue.
35.2 He should assign duties to his staff and personally ensure that these duties are
correctly performed. He shall take measures for the prevention of crime, for the
preservation of peace, for speedy investigation and prosecution of cases. When more
than one Sub-Inspector is employed in a police station, which is headed by a SubInspector, the junior officer shall act in accordance with the orders of seniority. He
shall maintain a notebook in which he will write then and there his daily movements
and activities in discharge of his duties. The completed notebook will be retained for
3 years with the station records. He will hand over his current notebook to his
successor when he goes on transfer.
35.3 He shall acquire full local knowledge and will become acquainted with the
people of his station limits, especially the village secretaries and panchayat officials,
and will also enlist their co-operation in prevention of crime and breach of peace. He
should also involve various Committees in this regard. The SHO shall normally visit
all the villages and localities in towns in his jurisdiction once a quarter. Passing
through a village with out doing the work cannot be treated as a visit.
35.4 The duties of officer in charge of a police station are set out in the Police Acts
and CrPC. They broadly relate to maintenance of law and order, prevention and
detection of crime, investigation and prosecution of offences etc., etc.
35.5 The Sub Inspector of Police/SHO is responsible for the maintenance of the law
and order and public order in his jurisdiction. His duties in this regard include,
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personal leadership and supervision of duties and work of all the staff and men
allotted to his charge including their welfare, discipline and morale, organizing active
participation in crime prevention and detection, maintenance of law and order and
anti-terror operations, dispersal of unlawful assemblies and prevention of breach of
peace and public order, organizing beats and patrols and its personal supervision,
designing and implementation of policing schemes suited to such beat areas and
securing co-operation of public and social committees.
35.6 Obtaining prompt information about activities in the field of communal, caste,
political, student, or other segments of society including subversive elements and
identify trouble spots and trouble mongers and to take effective preventive measures
like launching security proceedings under Cr.P.C.
35.7 Maintenance of good public relations in his station limits, visiting and spending
adequate time in the villages, localities of his station limit, maintenance of effective
surveillance over bad characters, anti-social elements, and rowdies of the area under
his charge are some of the other important functions and duties of the SubInspector/SHO.
35.8 He shall constantly endeavour to maintain high professional standard and keep
himself updated, well informed and motivated, keep a pursuit and apprehension of
offenders on available clues and information and collection of information on all
important matters relevant to police duties and functions and communicating
information to his immediate superior police officer and to other concerned superior
police officers promptly.
35.9 The Sub Inspector of Police/SHO is responsible for the investigation of all cases
reported in his jurisdiction except for those where the investigation is entrusted to
Inspector/DSP or other senior officers or CID. As officer in charge of police station
he shall perform the duties relating to investigation and prosecution of cases and shall
register all cognizable cases and would furnish a copy to the complainant invariably
free of cost and send the original FIR to the courts concerned immediately and copies
to his superior officer.
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35.10 In respect of non-cognizable offences reported in the station, he shall record the
information in the general diary and also in the non-cognizable register, and refer the
complainant to the court by an endorsement. In cases of non-cognizable offences
referred by court or any cognizable offences presented by parties directly in courts but
endorsed by the court to the SHO, he shall register such cases and investigate.
35.11 He shall promptly arrive at the scene of crime and thoroughly examine the same
for clues and for other matters of investigation and will make arrangements for the
preservation of the scene. He shall promptly conduct investigation by identifying,
preserving, collecting and forwarding of material to scientific experts, and collection
of documentary and oral evidence and would make use of scientific methods available
for investigation.
35.12 He shall hold inquest where necessary and forward the bodies for the post
mortem examination according to the necessity. He shall examine witnesses and
record their statements accurately and promptly, and would conduct searches, and
seize material, if any, as per provisions of Cr.P.C. He will make arrest of persons,
where necessary observing the necessary provisions of law and the decisions of the
court and send them to remand in time.
35.13 He will forward to the court the weapons and article seized from the accused, as
well as, seizure affected from searches along with necessary reports. He will supervise
investigations conducted by the IOs and will obtain progress reports. He shall write
the case diaries regularly and forward them to the superior officers promptly to enable
them to give instructions for further investigations. He shall finalize the cases without
delay and file charge sheets where the evidence is sufficient for prosecution within the
period of limitation imposed by the Cr.P.C. and Courts. He shall promptly serve and
would ensure service of summons and execute warrants.
35.14 He shall take all steps to promptly prosecute the cases where evidence is
sufficient by assisting the prosecutor by producing witnesses promptly to refresh their
memory before examine them as witnesses in Courts and would obtain copies of
judgments in cases of acquittal, read them and forward them to the prosecutor for his
opinion for preferring appeal.
33
35.15 The station house officer shall forward daily to the Inspector a carbon or
photostat copy of the station general daily with a docket in the form prescribed along
with copies of FIR registered and case diaries of that day.
Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors (SHO) will up date the police station record from time
to time and will make authorized entries in the small service books of their
subordinates.
Assistant Sub-Inspector
36. The following shall be the duties of the Assistant Sub-Inspector.
A. Investigation of simple cases as directed by SHO and assisting investigation in
all cases handled by SHOs and other superior officers
B. Petition enquiry
C. Checking of enquiries in verification rolls
D. Supervision of service of process work
E. To function as an officer in charge of a beat area and check patrols
F. Direct supervision or handling of station scriptory work
G. Detailing duties to the staff during Sub-Inspectors absence and exercising
supervision and control over the Constables and Head Constables
H. Maintenance of cash book
I. Preparation of pay and traveling allowance bills (He should sign them only
when the SI is absent)
J. Maintenance of arms and ammunition and registers connected therewith
K. To be in charge of out post or beat and perform these duties when posted there
L. Such other work as may be entrusted to him
Head Constable
37. Head Constables are mainly employed to be in charge of general duty in police
stations, as station writer, as officer in charge of out post and guards, armed reserves,
in charge of beat areas in rural and town police stations. He acts as SHO in the
absence of Sub-Inspector and Asst. Sub-Inspector. He is authorised to hold inquests
and make investigation when asked by the Sub Inspector to do so.
34
37.1 He will work with Constables and help them to understand instructions,
catechism and drill and help them, to perform duties allotted by SHO. He will be in
charge of guard or escort when deputed. He will visit villages in the station
jurisdiction when deputed for a specific purpose and will work as HC in charge of a
particular beat area. He will attend to court work under the orders of SHO, and will
investigate cases when deputed by the SHO and to assist the IO in investigation. He
will conduct enquiries into petty complaints and will take care of arrested persons
kept in police station. He will take care of reception and proper behaviour with the
persons coming to police station and to attend telephone calls. He will remain present
in the police station in the absence of Sub-Inspector unless called away in an
emergency.
37.2 Head Constable shall normally be assigned the duties of station writer. He will
perform the ministerial work of the station under the direction of SHO. In the absence
of SI or ASI, he will allocate urgent duties to the Constables and be in charge of
station property including arms and ammunition and carry out the routine work of the
station. In the absence of the SI, ASI and other senior, HC, he will function as station
house officer; take steps for registration and investigation of cases reported under his
charge. He may also be employed by SHO to go on night rounds and may
occasionally be kept in charge of beat area. He is also responsible to watch the
arrested persons kept in police station and proper reception to persons visiting police
station and also for answering telephone calls when SHO, SI, or ASI are not present
in police station.
37.3 The head constables form the main strength of investigating team. They assist
the team leader in the investigation of cases especially in preserving, and collecting
the clues like finger prints, foot prints, materials, photograph etc. and also in
collection of information, process service, pursuit of clues and arrest of accused and
recovery of property, assisting in searches and seizures, surveillance of specially
marked persons, holding inquests where directed, securing the presence of witnesses,
perform, court duty to assist prosecutor when SI or Inspector are not able to be
present, any other work connected with the investigation of crimes.
35
37.5 HC may be kept in charge of small and rural out post. The duty of out post in
charge is to supervise the work of constables in his charge, see to the proper
performance of all duties attached to the out post and maintain the prescribed records.
He should submit a copy of the out post general diary daily to the mother police
station. Therefore whenever the information of cognizable offence is received in the
out post, he shall forward it to the mother station for registration of FIR after issuing a
receipt for the same to the complainant. He will also enter the substance of the report
in the out post general diary. However the complainant is entitled for a copy of the
FIR from the mother police station free of cost. The officer in charge of an out post
may with out intervention of the officer in charge of a police station, take action in
such of the offences as can be legally taken by SI, ASI or HC as per the rank of
officer-in-charge. The officer in charge of out post shall on receipt of a complaint or
information of a crime or serious occurrence, take such immediate action as may
appear necessary i.e. proceeding and preserving the scene, rendering medical
assistance to victims, arrest of accused persons etc.
37.6 In the absence of the regular SHO, the senior officer present shall assume charge
of the station. Senior constable present shall also be deemed to be the officer in charge
in the absence of higher ranks as per section 2(O) of Cr.P.C.
37.7 Whenever a guard is detailed for treasury or jail or for security of a minister of a
government, a Head Constable shall be kept in charge of the guard. A Head Constable
from reserve police will be deputed to be at the disposal of Sessions Judge, to
36
maintain order in the court when there is a criminal trial. Wherever it is warranted, the
SHO shall make security arrangements commensurate with the situation with the
permission and consultation of the District and Sessions Judge or other Judicial
Officers.
Constables
38. A Constable has maximum interface with public. As the most accessible person
for public, he is expected to protect the needy, rescue people from danger, apprehend
offenders and assist in securing prompt help and justice. Some of the important roles
assigned to him are organizing and securing community participation, activising
himself in prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of law and order.
Another main role of the Constable is, performance of all tasks connected with beat
area and there by help in prevention of offence and breach of peace. The constable on
traffic duty has the task of regulating traffic. All constables in their dealings with
public should inspire confindence in the efficacy of police to protect them. The police
image is directly proportionate to their good conduct and behaviour in the public as
they are the persons who are basically and directly in touch with them. At all costs
they must avoid ill treatment either to the victims or to the accused as a first step to
build the better police image. The main duties of civil Constables are;
A. To perform duties in beats, patrols and pickets and to keep surveillance over
history sheeted and other potential criminals as per orders
B. Collection of information and intelligence relating to crimes and criminals,
subversive, terrorist and anti social elements in their areas primarily and
communication of the same to the authorized superiors
C. Developing cordial relations with local citizen committees/voluntary
organizations and knowledge of households in the beat area and convey
information relating to persons and events that cause or likely to cause law and
order situation or wide spread disturbances
D. Keep in touch with local disputes, caste/communal overtones and inform SHO
E. Assistance to investigating officers in the matter of arrests, recoveries,
searches, identification and securing of witnesses or verification of
information and execute warrants and serve summons promptly, escort
prisoners, arrested persons, escort injured or dead to the hospital, guard of
prisoners in custody and all station property.
37
38.1 The entire preventive work of the police depends on the efficiency, commitment,
professionalism and integrity of the beat area policeman. The Constable allotted to a
beat should realize that his participation in the community even in a small measure is
essential for successful policing. Professionalism and integrity but not power and
authority shall command respect and bring in a large measure of co-operation from
general public.
38
Chapter 4
Introduction
39. Police organisation, in any society, is said to be the chief law enforcement agency
of the criminal justice administration. Crimes and offences of general nature are,
therefore, registered and investigated by the police stations. Police station is the
primary and basic unit of crime registration in all civilized societies. The common
man whether victim, complainant or informer contacts police stations in the event of
commission of a crime. It is expected that the police station will immediately take
action on the report received by it and would register the crime for initiating
appropriate and adequate action in the matter. Any lapse on the part of police in this
regard will land them in a situation of criticism. Registration of crime and recording
of an FIR is thus, one of the fundamental duties of the police.
Classification of Offences
40. Offences of various types, as per the provisions of CrPC, are classified as
cognizable and non-cognizable offences. The offences in which police can arrest
without warrant are classified as cognizable offences and the other ones are known as
non-cognizable offences. On receipt of a report about commission of a cognizable
offence, it should be recorded in the prescribed format, and this process is called
recording of First Information Report (FIR).
40
44.1 The First Information Report shall invariably be written before the investigating
officer proceeds to make an investigation. But, if a report of a serious crime is
received by the Officer-in-charge of a Police Station, he must leave for the scene of
offence directing the officer whom he places in-charge of the station or the station
writer, as the case may be to register the case. For example, if a Station House Officer
is informed that a serious breach of the peace is occurring in his jurisdiction or that a
drunkard is running amuck with a weapon after inflicting serious injuries on persons,
it is the duty of the Station House Officer to proceed to the scene at once and prevent
the commission of further offences. He should not delay proceeding to the scene for
the sake of issuing a First Information Report, which could be left to one of his
subordinates.
recover stolen property, if any, pending the arrival of the Station House Officer to
conduct the investigation.
46.1 Every report of a cognizable offence should be registered in the First Information
Report book, even if it appears to be untrue, exaggerated or of civil nature. If the
Officer-in-charge of a Police Station receives an oral report of a cognizable offence
during his tour, he should take down the report in writing and have it signed or
marked by the person who made it. He should then send it, with an endorsement duly
signed by him, to the Police Station, where it will be treated as a written report and
registered in the First Information Report book. In the meantime, he will himself
commence the investigation. A First Information Report once recorded shall in no
circumstances be withheld or cancelled by the Station House Officer. Cases entered in
the First Information Report book will each be given a consecutive number, and this
number will constitute the crime number for the purpose of subsequent references. As
soon as the report has been entered in the First Information Report book, the
42
substance of the report must be briefly recorded in the Station House Diary.
Write the First Information Report immediately with all available details, and
enter the fact at the same time in the Station House Diary, mentioning therein
the name of the complainant or informant (with fathers name, age, occupation
and residence), the time of reporting at the Police Station and brief particulars
of the report, including the crime number and section of law and action taken.
ii.
Record all available facts of the case in unambiguous terms and make sure that
no important point is omitted. Use copying pencil for writing the First
Information Report and make copies by carbon process.
iii.
iv.
When the first informant presents his written report at the Police Station, read
it and explain it to him. If he admits its correctness make on it an endorsement
to that effect. Note on it the date and time of its receipt.
v.
the information falling within the purview of Section 154 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, question the first informant and if he is able to furnish it,
record it at the foot of the report and obtain his attestation.
vi.
If the first informant does not appear with his written report but makes an oral
statement, reduce his oral statement to writing in the space provided in the
First Information Report form. If one form is found insufficient, use another
form. Record the First Information in the actual words of the informant, as the
record should not be your impression of what he meant to say. Employ plain
and simple language, as nearly as possible, in the informants words. Avoid
technical or legal expressions of high-flown language.
vii.
When, after the First Information Report, a list or a further list of stolen
property is furnished or obtained by police, ensure that it is signed by the
persons concerned and record on it the date, time and place of its receipt. Do
not keep the list referred to above in the case diary file. Retain its copy and
send the original to the court for being attached to the relevant First
Information Report.
viii.
Whenever it is found that having regard to the time and date of occurrence, the
distance from the place of occurrence to the Police Station and other relevant
circumstances, the first informant has delayed lodging the First Information,
elicit from him a full and detailed account of the circumstances which
contributed to such delay, while reducing to writing, his oral statement.
ix.
If a first informant appears before an officer superior in rank to an Officer-incharge of a Police Station, the former should reduce to writing his statement or
he should see that the informant is produced before the Officer-in-charge of
the Police Station, who should then record his statement.
x.
xi.
When the First Information relates to theft, do not fail to ask the complainant
to furnish a list of articles stolen, their value and any particulars as to weight,
make, design or other distinguish marks which may assist identification, if
they have not already been furnished. While eliciting the prices of articles
stolen, take care that their prices are fixed having regard to the market rates
prevailing at the material time and not with reference to the prices at which
they were originally purchased.
xiii.
If the informant knows or has seen the person by whom an offence reported
was committed but his name and address are not known to him, do not fail to
elicit from him, a description of the latters appearance, which should be
recorded along with the rest of the information. If the complainant is unable to
give a list of property stolen at the outset (may be because he is not the victim
of the theft or the person in the know of things or articles is away at the time)
or its weight, make, design or distinguishing marks, do not fail to obtain it
from the person concerned. There should be no delay whatsoever.
xiv.
45
into custody, they should be arrested and produced before the court
having jurisdiction, intimation of their arrest being promptly sent to the
Police Station within the jurisdiction of which the offence occurred.
Non-Cognizable Cases
50. Information received in a Police Station of facts which constitute a noncognizable case or any steps taken by the police on their own volition in a noncognizable case will be entered in the Station House Diary. When a Police Officer
finds it necessary to lay information before a Magistrate in a non-cognizable case, he
may, under Clause (b) of Sub-Section (1) of Section 190 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, make a report to the Magistrate in writing of the facts which constitute
47
such offence. If there are persistent complaints against a particular individual, which
legally fall under the category of a non-cognizable offence, orders from the competent
court to register the N.C. case may be obtained for investigation or action U/s 110
Cr.P.C. may be taken.
48
Chapter 5
investigate such a case (Section 157 Proviso (b) Cr.P.C.). Where the police officer
does not investigate the case as no sufficient ground for investigation is found, then
the police officer shall prepare case diary and send final report.
Further Investigation
57. Even after submitting final report under section 173 (2) Cr.P.C., the police officer
is not precluded from collecting further evidence and is empowered to obtain the case
file from the court for further investigation. In case the police officer finds any
relevant oral or documentary evidence even after filing charge sheet, the police officer
has to forward the same to the Magistrate by way of further report, which is generally
termed as additional information or additional charge sheet under section 173 (8)
Cr.P.C.
H. It should be borne in mind that evidence may not always be visible to eye.
Even if visible, it may escape a non-observant eye or may not appear relevant.
It is therefore necessary that the scene or places be subjected to close scrutiny
both by experts and the Investigating staff.
Officer to note the position and nature of the injuries while arrangements are being
made to procure medical aid or to send the injured person to a hospital.
Preservation of Evidence
63. Simultaneous steps should be taken to preserve all valuable items or objects of
evidentiary value at the scene. This is vital, as certain types of evidence is likely to get
evaporated, decomposed, putrefied, degenerated or may undergo other chemical or
biological changes with time and other environmental factors. Suitable containers like
polythene or glass bottles, polythene bags, paper envelopes, aluminum foils, etc. and
preservative substances should be kept ready for proper preservation of evidence.
Depending on the nature of evidence suitable preservatives should be added under
expert advice. Examples: Tissue samples should be preserved in 20% Dimethyl
Sulphoxide saturated with Sodium Chloride for DNA analysis and Viscera should be
preserved in saline etc.
65.1 The sketch is the first visual record of the condition of the crime scene. It
53
portrays the crime scene and items within that scene that are of interest to the
investigation. Sketches properly prepared are useful during the interrogation of
witnesses, in making notes in the case diaries and in presenting information to the
court. The sketch complements the photographs and notes made while observing the
crime scene. The ultimate purpose of the crime scene sketch drawn as per set scale
and plan, which is also known as crime scene planning, is to represent the facts of the
crime with such clarity and precision that the crime itself may be reconstructed from
the details. Courts rely to a great extent on sketch of the scene prepared.
65.2 The Investigating Officer should make a rough sketch of the crime scene on the
basis of his own observation but not what is stated to him by witnesses as such a
sketch will be hit by 162 Cr.P.C. Even if the sketch contains some facts and narrations
on the basis of his observation and some on the basis of what is stated by witnesses,
such a sketch will also be inadmissible in the court, if admissible part cannot be
separated from the inadmissible part. The sketch need not be drawn to scale, but
should indicate accurate distances between objects dimensions of areas and relative
directions. The items to be included in the sketch and number of copies should be
determined at the outset.
65.3 The rough sketch once drawn should not be altered. A smooth or fair sketch
should be prepared on the basis of the rough sketch. The smooth sketch also known as
crime scene plan drawing is prepared as per a convenient scale and plan from the
details of rough sketch. Colour drawing will be helpful to distinguish various objects
or the features of an object.
Methods of Sketching
66. It is important that measurements shown on the sketch are as accurate as possible
and are made and recorded uniformly. An erroneous measurement becomes difficult
to explain and can introduce doubt in the minds of judges and others concerned not
only regarding the authenticity of the crime scene processing, but also the competence
of investigator. The investigator should therefore follow a standard method of
sketching depending on the nature and background of a case. Standard methods
normally adopted for sketching are: Coordinate Method or Baseline Method,
Triangulation Method, Cross-projection Method.
54
66.1 There are various signs and symbols useful for sketching, therefore, every IO
should have an in-depth knowledge above them and should make use of them in
preparing sketching of the spot for crime.
67.1 The successful investigation of a case rests on the ability of the investigating
officer to gather maximum information from various sources in a limited time in order
to use it subsequently. The police officer cannot easily and accurately recall past
events for crime scene reconstruction or for court testimony after a lapse of time.
Sometimes many seemingly unimportant details may prove to be of utmost utility as
evidence and in the investigation process. Hence the investigating officer should enter
all details, observations, data, statements as and when they occur in his observation
notes and case diaries and should personally get these sketches prepared taking fullest
assistance of his team, scientific personnel and other experts. He should see that the
team members work efficiently, professionally and cohesively.
large or small, visible or invisible, detectable readily or difficult to detect, but such
transference does occur. It is therefore the primary responsibility of Investigating
Officers to search, identify and collect such evidence independently or with the
assistance of CLUES Team.
68.1 The crime scene is highly dynamic and is constantly undergoing change. It is
also fragile, in the sense that the evidentiary value of the items it contains can be
easily lost or downgraded. Usually there is only one opportunity to search the scene
properly. Hence making a good overall survey of the scene is quite essential.
68.3 Based on the initial survey the investigator should first develop a hypothesis that
will serve as the initial framework of the investigation. The hypothesis is simply a set
of rational assumptions about how the crime was committed and the general sequence
of acts that were involved. The hypothesis must be constantly reassessed in the light
of each new fact or clue that is uncovered. There is often a tendency to arrive at
unfounded assumptions. For example, if the Investigating Officer has substantial
evidence that a murder was committed where the body was discovered, he may be
tempted to ignore a fact or clue that does not fit the framework of that idea. Such
inflexibility must always be avoided in the crime scene search. The Investigating
Officer must be willing to modify or change altogether his initial ideas concerning
any aspect of perpetration of crime. It is only through such a process of reassessment
that the full value of the Investigating Officers experience can be realized.
68.4 By the time an initial survey of the scene is completed, the investigator should
have noted the obvious items of evidence to be collected, and decide in what order he
will collect evidence, what should be searched for, and how the tasks and areas have
to be divided.
56
Search Methods
69. Following are some of the important search methods adopted for investigation of
crime scene.
69.1 Spiral Method: The search is conducted following a spiral pattern working from
outside to inside towards the centre or focal point (towards the body, safe or any other
key feature) or vice versa, either clockwise or anti clockwise. It is an effective search
pattern for single person search, with a very high probability of locating minute
evidence like fingerprints, footprints, etc. Also, there is not much likelihood of the
evidence being destroyed by the investigators movements.
69.2 Radial Method: In this method, the investigator works outward from the centre
along the radial, and moves in circles of increasing circumference repeatedly. This
method provides a double check on the searched area and is one of the best methods
available for both indoor and outdoor searches. This method is preferred if more than
one officer is conducing the search.
69.3 Strip Method: This is a sector search, useful both for indoors and outdoors, in
which the crime scene is divided into segments and strips. The method works well if
the area to be searched is square or rectangular in shape with clearly marked
boundaries. The search may be conducted by one or more officers depending on the
size of the area and availability of officers.
69.4 Grid Method: Grid method is a slight modification of the strip method. This
method is useful for small areas especially indoors. The area is divided into grids. In
this method a single person can search the entire area by moving at right angles, and
covering all the squares of the grid.
69.5 Zone Method: If the crime scene is large and enough personnel are not
available, it is advisable to divide or sub divides the area into smaller zones and sub
zones and uses this method of search. The method is particularly useful for searching
in details the enclosed areas where items such as almirahs, safes, etc. have to be
carefully inspected, and for cars or carriages which may contain minute trace
evidence, necessitating a through search of all nooks and corners.
57
The IO should search for body fluids on the scene of crime and collect blood,
semen, saliva, sweat, tears, milk, urine, faecal matter.
ii.
Body parts and body materials like skull, flesh, teeth, bones, nails, and broken
bone pieces, viscera materials preserved during autopsy should also from part
of collection of exhibits from scene of crime.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Glass fragments, pieces, sheets, bangles, articles, animal or human hair and
impression metals serial numbers on metals-cast, engraved, etched or punched
58
and other marks on metallic parts, filed, erased, stamped, etc. Impressions not
included in any other category such as type writer impressions, shoe prints,
glove
impressions,
tooth
impressions,
fabric
impressions,
bite-mark
impressions, lip impressions, etc. are also relevant from investigation point of
view.
ix.
Soil, dust, debris, mud, dirt, occupational dust in the form of stains, lumps,
particles, powder, etc. and tools & implements, tool marks, cut marks, shear
marks, punching marks, levering marks, file marks, chisel marks, drill marks,
struck marks, depressed marks wood and vegetable matter and any fragments
of wood, sawdust, or any vegetable matter on clothing shoes, tools, body etc.,
and materials like seeds, bark, leaves, etc., miscellaneous stains, impressions,
prints, articles or other materials that is likely to link the crime or criminal
with the victim or scene of crime should also be collected as part of evidenced
collection by an IO.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Plastic pill bottles such as used medicine containers with lids are unbreakable
and can be easily sealed with tape. They make excellent containers for hair,
fibers, and other small trace evidence. They are ideal for spent bullets, empty
cartridge cases, and cartridges because they can be packed with absorbent
cotton to minimize movement. Plastic envelopes and bags are suitable for
packing many materials. However in case of soil, debris or clothing
impregnated with bloodstains, this may result in bacterial action contaminating
the blood sample, and should be avoided.
v.
If the stain is on a solid object that can be moved, such a knife, crowbar, fire
arm or any other weapon, it is preferable to transport the whole object,
protecting the area of the stain or completely enclosing the object in a package
(if it is small enough). If the stain is on clothing, the garments should be
wrapped separately in paper, marked appropriately and packed. This is better
than any other technique such as scraping for forwarding a movable sample of
the stain for analysis. Garments and other clothing such as bed sheets, towels,
tablecloths and similar evidence should be folded as small as possible and
without pressure. The specific areas of such fabric which contain trace
evidence should be folded in such a way as to protect such areas to avoid loss
of such materials by falling off, peeling off, etc. It is preferable to send a soilstained or mud-soaked object to the laboratory rather than to attempt to
remove and send the soil or mud as separate items. When such traces are
picked up as individual items of evidence, it is vital that every precaution is
taken to keep the evidence in separate sealed containers to avoid any
accidental loss or mixing in transit.
vi.
Bed sheets, carpets, woolen materials from the scene of arson may be wrapped
in metal foil and sealed in airtight containers. Smaller objects, such as paper
and rags or solid samples should be sealed in the container in which they were
found or places in airtight bottles or cans. This protects the fire accelerants and
their residues from evaporation. Pills and other non-caustic substances should
be left in their original containers for transport to the laboratory. Such
containers often contain useful information. The investigation officer should
60
count the number of pills and capsules or accurately determine the bulk
quantity of fluids or powders and should include such data in observation
notes. Caustic or corrosive poisons should not be transported until their safe
transit is ensured by suitable means. Appropriate containers such as glass
bottles with a glass lid should be used for transporting substances such as
acids.
vii.
viii.
ix.
Indicate any special priority that should be given to the case. Notify the
laboratory if the case is associated with any previous submission or evidence.
Always obtain a signed receipt whenever evidence is transferred (chain of
custody) from place to place or person to person. All evidence should be
forwarded or received only in a sealed condition. Label, initial and seal all
envelopes and the packages without fail. The seal should be legible and intact
and all knots of stitching ropes must be sealed. Ensure prompt delivery of all
items of interest to the laboratory. Record all the procedures adopted for
location, recording, lifting, packing and forwarding, in case diaries.
x.
Chapter 6
Collection of Evidence
Introduction
72. Investigation is a process of connecting the offender to the offence. This is a
method by which various events are connected with one another. A chain of events is
prepared which illustrates and elaborates various steps and activities involved in the
commission of crime. Relating each of such activity with another one will require the
support of evidence of one nature or the other. The job of investigation and
particularly that of collection of evidence is a serious, sensitive and complicated one.
This requires use of utmost intelligence, competence, presence of mind, skills of
observation along with utilization of various tools and techniques of evidence
collection. Collection of various types of evidences through scientific interrogation
and with the help of scientific aids to investigation can absolve the police of all the
allegations with regard to use of third degree methods.
Nature of Evidence
73. The evidence to be collected during the course of investigation should be relevant
and it should pertain to the facts in issue. Various provisions of Indian Evidence Act
should be kept in mind, while collecting and recording evidences of various types.
Only that evidence should be collected, which is admissible in the court of law.
Collection of inadmissible and irrelevant evidence is wastage of time and even dilutes
the quality and status of investigation.
Types of Evidence
74. The various types of evidences to be collected during investigation are following:
a) Oral evidence
b) Documentary evidence
c) Expert evidence
d) Circumstantial evidence
e) Other evidences
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a) Oral evidence: Oral evidence is the most frequently used mode of evidence
collection by an Investigating Officer. Oral evidence must be in the form of
direct evidence otherwise it will be inadmissible being hearsay. The Indian
Evidence Act deals with the provisions of oral evidence in sections 59& 60.
The oral evidence should be collected in accordance with the provisions of
Cr.P.C. contained in chapter XII.
75.1 In order to examine a witness, the investigating officer should, as far as possible,
contact him at his place, but may, if necessary, require the attendance before himself,
of any person being in the limits of his own or adjoining police station. If a person so
called intentionally fails to attend in spite of a written order served on him, he is liable
to be prosecuted under section 174 IPC. However, under proviso to section 160
Cr.P.C., no male person under the age 15 years or woman shall be required to attend
as a witness at any place other than the place in which such male person or woman
resides.
75.2 When a police officer finds it necessary for the purpose of any police
investigation to require any employee of any essential services, he shall give previous
notice of the fact to the official concerned in order that the latter may take steps to
replace the employee, and shall, at the same time, take all necessary measures to
ensure that the object of the investigation is not thereby defeated.
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75.3 The statement of each witness should be recorded separately, in direct form and
as far as possible in his own language and with the full version of what he states.
Section 173(5) of CrPC lays down a statutory obligation on the prosecution to furnish
to the accused, copies of statements recorded under 161(3) of CrPC of all persons
whom the prosecution proposes to examine as its witnesses.
Dying Declaration
78. The statement given by a dying person is called dying declaration. Whether the
statement is given expecting death or not, is not very relevant. Only those portions of
the statement explaining the cause of persons death or the circumstances resulting in
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79.1 The declaration should be in the form of questions and answers and in the very
words of the declarant. The signature of the declarant should invariably be taken on
the dying declaration wherever possible. If the declarant is an illiterate or is
incapacitated from signing for any reason, his thumb impression should be taken.
When a declarant dies while giving a statement, the declaration is valid even though
he does not put his signature or thumb impression. A note should be made in the
dying declaration giving reasons why the signature of the declarant was not taken.
79.2 When the declarant, being in a serious condition and unable to speak, makes
signs by hand or head, the person recording the dying declaration must record the
precise nature of the signs which the declarant made. Before taking down the
declaration the persons recording the dying declaration should also ask the declarant
whether he is mentally capable of making a declaration. He should obtain whenever
possible a certificate from the Medical Officer as to the mental condition of the
declarant. Incomplete dying declarations are not by themselves inadmissible in law.
Though a dying declaration is incomplete by reason of the deceased not being able to
answer further questions in his condition then, yet the statement to that extent is
admissible provided it is proved he has given it consciously and the statement is not
vague. An FIR can be recorded on the basis of dying declaration.
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81.1 When one of several accused persons who have taken part in an act, for example,
the burial of property at a certain place, offers to point out the place and the property
is found in consequence, his confessional statement is relevant against him under
section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act. But if other accused persons suspected to have
taken part in burying the property at the place also give the same information
subsequently the discovery cannot be attributed to second person. These confessional
statements cannot be said to have led to the discovery of the property which has
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already been discovered and are not, therefore, relevant under that section. Though
there is nothing objectionable in the investigating officer trying to see for his moral
satisfaction whether such persons point out the same place as the one previously
shown by one of them, no attempt should be made to utilize that evidence against
subsequent persons. If two or more accused give statements under section 27 of
Evidence Act, simultaneously, it is inadmissible, as it cannot be attributed to any
single person. Where the place of recovery is a public place accessible to all and
sundry a discovery from such a place cannot entirely be attributed to the exclusive
knowledge of the accused and therefore much reliance cannot be placed.
81.2 The accused must be in custody of Police for a confession to come under
purview of section 27 of Evidence Act. Even a man released on bail and giving
information leading to discovery of a fact can be deemed to be in Police custody
within meaning of section 27. Arrest and custody are not synonymous. A person can
be in custody without being formally arrested.
Tendering of Pardon
83. Conditional pardon can be tendered to an accomplice. Tendering of pardon can be
given in the following cases
A. All offences triable by sessions court
B. Offences under Prevention of Corruption Act
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83.1 Tender of pardon is given where the investigation has to establish the guilt of the
accused by independent evidence. In such cases participant who played a minor role
with offence is taken into confidence with a view to prove the case against the other
accused. The accused to whom the tender of pardon is granted is an accomplice
witness.
83.2 The pardon tendered to a person under section 306/307 of Cr.P.C., as already
stated, is conditional that he should make a true and full disclosure of the whole of the
circumstances within his knowledge relating to the offence. If such person either
willfully conceals anything essential or gives false evidence and thus does not comply
with the conditions on which the pardon was tendered, he may be tried for the offence
in respect of which the pardon was tendered later.
83.3 During the course of investigation the chief judicial magistrate and during the
course of enquiry or trial the presiding magistrate or judge are competent to grant
pardon.
or thing. If his statement is unnecessary, such person can be asked to cause the
document or thing produced on his behalf by any other person. If the document or
thing is in the possession of an accused, an order for its production shall not be issued
as it contravenes clause (iii) of Articles 20 of the Constitution of India. It should be
seized after conducting a search of a place where such document or thing is kept.
84. In cases where bank employees are involved in offences like misappropriation,
forgery etc., or other bank frauds, financial or any other offences, the original records
are required for examination by the hand writing expert. The relevant original records
may be requisitioned by making out copies. The copies so made can be retained by
them for banking purposes. Where the examination by hand writing expert is not
needed, and the records are required only for investigation, requisition should be
confined to certified copies of entries which are admissible as prima facie evidence.
84.1 Section 8 of the Bankers Book Evidence Act 1891 authorizes the officers not
below the rank of Superintendent of Police specified by the Government under this
section to requisition records or entries which are needed for investigation into any
offence. This requisition should be in the prescribed form.
Government.
85. If any such document, parcel or thing, in the possession of Postal or BSNL
authorities in the opinion of Commissioner of Police or Superintendent of Police, is
wanted for the purposes of investigation, he may require the concerned, to trace and
detain such document, parcel or thing, pending the orders from the District Magistrate
or Chief Judicial Magistrate as mentioned in the sub-order (1) (Section 92(2) of
CrPC). Instructions in the P & T Manual 1982, volume V regarding production of
records in the custody of the post office are reproduced below:
85.1 Records of a Post Office or mail office should be produced, and information
available in them should be given on the written order of any Police Officer who is
making an investigation under the CrPC, or of any Excise Officer empowered by a
local government or administration to investigate offences under any Excise Act, but
only those entries in the records should be disclosed which relate to the person or
persons charged with the offence under investigation or which are relevant to that
offence. In any other case, the official in-charge of the office should, without delay,
refer for orders to the Head of the Circle, who will decide whether under Section 124
of the Indian Evidence Act, the information asked for should be withheld or not.
86. Where the Investigating Officer inspects the original documents, he shall sign and
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record the date of his perusal or inspection on the record so inspected or perused and
thereafter request for the photo copies. The photo copies can be used in the
investigation. He shall also handover a letter to the head of the office to have the
original documents in his custody under lock and seal. The expenses for taking out the
photo copies will be met by the concerned office.
86.1 In a case where an investigating officer finds it necessary to have the original
documents in the possession of an audit office examined by the handwriting or
fingerprint expert, the Director General of Police will request the Accountant General
to hand over the documents, in original, directly to the investigating officer, who may
use them for identification purposes and also have them examined by experts.
c) Expert evidence : In the large array of the list of witnesses, the expert
witnesses have a special significance. The expert opinion and there evidence is taken
to be more objective, impartial and scientific as compared to the ordinary witnesses.
The IO should have deep knowledge about the role, significance and relevance of the
expert witnesses. Evidence and opinion of an expert are relevant as per the provisions
of Indian Evidence Act (Section 45 to 51). These provisions deal with various facets
of evidence by experts and admissibility thereof.
87. An IO should suitably evaluate, analyze and asses as to which part of his
investigation would require help and assistance from an expert. At the scene of c rime
there are a number of exhibits and pieces of evidence, which might be relevant for the
investigation and which may require expert opinion. The IO should prepare a list to
such objects and should collect those objects for scientific examination and obtaining
expert opinion. An IO should have knowledge about various categories of experts and
the subjects with which they deal. He should also know where to send the exhibits for
examination and which institutions, organisations and forensic labs are there to render
the requisite help.
87.1 The experts who have given opinion on a particular matter should be cited in the
list of witnesses with correct address and the issue on which they will tender their
expert opinion.
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87.2 Extreme care and caution should be exercised in identifying, lifting, packing and
forwarding the exhibits for experts' opinion because during any of the above stages if
the exhibit is distorted, disturbed or destroyed, it may cause serious damage to the
quality of evidence because either the expert opinion will not be available at all or if
the one is available then on the ground of it being not fool proof, it may be rejected by
the court of law.
88. Any fact, condition, or situation, which is relevant with relation to the fact in
issue, that is, the investigation in question, may form part of the circumstantial
evidence. The facts, which are so connected with each other that they form part of the
overall transactions of crime are relevant and may form part of the circumstantial
evidence. Likewise the facts, which are the occasion, cause or effect with regard to
the crime under investigation can also form part of the circumstantial evidence. In the
same manner the facts, conditions and situation, which prove the motive, preparation
and previous or subsequent conduct of the accused persons can also form part of the
circumstantial evidence. An IO should have deep knowledge of the various provisions
of evidence act, which deal with the various facts, conditions and situations which
may become part of the circumstantial evidence.
88.1 Collection of circumstantial evidence is a tough task and the IO has to work hard
to collect such evidence. The evidence so collected should be corroborated by some
support evidence. The circumstantial evidence must provide a complete chain of
events connecting one another to become cogent, succinct and reliable. The
connecting of the various facts, conditions and situations must provide a complete
chain and no link of which must be missing. They must unequivocally point the guilt
on the accused so as to exclude any point, which may be consistent with his
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88.2 In order to make the circumstantial evidence valid foundation of conviction, the
IO should collect various types of corroboratory evidences, which may be oral,
documentary, incidental, occasional or intentional. The circumstantial evidences may
be corroborated with the help of expert opinion and scientific examination of various
types of exhibits.
Identification
89. Identification is one of the methods of collecting evidence. Witnesses see the
individual or objects which are relevant for the investigation. In order to authentically
connect such individuals and objects, the Investigation Officer prepares a profile on
the basis of the statements of the witnesses. The witnesses later on are required to
identity such individuals and objects to verify the authenticity of the version of the
witnesses. This process is called identification and for conducting this process an
identification parade is held often in the presence of a Magistrate. This process is
relevant under Section 9 of the evidence Act.
90.1 The accused should as far as possible be mingled with persons of similar
description, status, build and age in the proportion of a minimum of 1:5 and a
maximum of 1:10, and they must be made to take their positions along with the
persons with whom they are mingled up in a line. They should not be made to stand
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together. The Magistrate or other persons conducting the parade should satisfy
himself or themselves that no Police Officer takes part in the actual identification
proceedings that witnesses are kept out of view from the premises where the parade is
taking place and that it is not possible to communicate with them by signals or other
communications. Witnesses should then be called in, one by one, and they should be
asked to go round the persons assembled for the parade and point out the accused, if
any. If the identification is held by a Magistrate the proceedings should be drawn up
and signed by him. If the identification is held by panchayatdars in the absence of a
magistrate, the proceedings should be drawn up by one of the Panchayatdars and
attested by all of them. Statements made by the identifying witnesses to the
panchayatdars at the time of the identification should be recorded in the proceedings.
Even if a witness makes a mistake, it should be recorded. In short, the proceedings
must contain a complete record of all that takes place in the identification parade.
After the identification by one witness is over, care should be taken to see that the
witness does not mingle or communicate with the other witnesses for whom
identification parade is yet to be conducted or other outside persons and the whole
parade will be reshuffled and the accused made to take different positions. If the
accused so desire, they should be allowed to change their dress also. The same
procedure will be repeated in the case of other witnesses also. Any well-founded
objection by any accused during the identification parade should be recorded. After
the completion of the identification parade and the drawing up of the proceedings, a
certificate must be appended signed by the Magistrate or the panchayatdars
conducting the parade.
be no delay.
3) when one accused is arrested in a case in which more than one accused is
required to be identified, do not postpone the parade of the arrested accused,
till the others are secured. As each accused is arrested, go on arranging for the
parade.
4) Other persons participating in the parade should be of the same build, age,
dress and appearance as the suspects;
5) Maintain a minimum proportion of 1:5 and a maximum proportion of 1:10;
distribute the accused among others, they should not be made to stand
together;
6) keep the accused out of the view of the witnesses and take precautions to
prevent their being seen by others from the time of their arrest, if they are to
be put up for identification parade subsequently;
7) Shuffle the persons in the parade after identification by each witness and make
a record of having done so in the proceedings;
8) In respect of each accused, a separate identification parade should be held;
9) When several accused persons are required to be identified, the innocent
persons, mixed up with one accused at one parade, should not be mixed up
with another accused at a second parade. They should be changed, with every
change of an accused person.
Identification by Photographs
92. Photographs of certain classes of criminals are maintained in the District Crime
Record Bureau. Photographs exist also for dossier criminals. Witnesses may be shown
the photographs and asked to identify. In cases where criminals are identified through
photographs, a regular identification parade should also be held after the apprehension
of the accused. When identification is sought to be made through photographs, single
and individual photographs should not be shown to witnesses. Photographs of as
many persons as possible, among which should be the suspect's photograph, should be
shown to the witness, who should be asked to pick out from among them the suspect's
photograph, if it is there.
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Identification of Property
95. During investigations it may sometimes be necessary to conduct test
identifications of articles involved in criminal cases. A test identification of properties
which do not bear any special marks of identifications is of immense value in
enhancing the credibility of identification evidence in court; and a test identification
of properties which bear definite marks of identification is not necessary.
95.1 When a witness states that he can identify properties connected with a case under
investigation. Their descriptions and other marks of identification along with the
circumstances under which he had previously seen them on several occasions during
which he had previously handled them, and any other relevant circumstances should
be recorded by the IO.
95.2 Make a clear record in the case diary and the search list of the places from which
and how the stolen property was recovered. Evidence that the stolen property was
buried under ground or was concealed in the walls or secreted in back yards or
houses, etc., will help to establish the receiver's belief as to the nature of the property.
Case Diary
96. Section 172 CrPC requires that every Police Officer making an investigation
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should enter day by day his proceedings in a diary, setting forth the time at which the
information reached him, the time at which he began and closed his investigation, the
place or places visited by him and a statement of the circumstances ascertained
through his investigation.
97.1 The Investigating Officer and his superiors shall ensure the physical safety of the
case diary as well as its contents. Any leakage of the contents to any person other than
authorized by law leads to undesirable consequences and will be detrimental to
prosecution. They should not permit access to any unauthorized person particularly
the accused or their agents or their counsel. The officer who has custody of case
diaries either as an IO or a superior officer supervising investigation should ensure
that it is handed over to their successors in office. The access to the case diaries is
limited only to the IO, the superior officers and the concerned legal officers who are
in charge at a given time and not to others.
100.1 The case diary shall be written incorporating the investigation done on each
day. Statements of witnesses should be reduced to writing on the spot in the
prescribed Form. If it is not possible they should be written in the IO's note book, and
transcribed in the prescribed form as soon as he returns to the Station House. If, for
any unavoidable reason, notes had to be taken on separate sheets of paper, these
should not be destroyed after the case diary is written but preserved in the case file.
concerned who shall deal with the case diaries in the manner prescribed. In cases
investigated by Sub-Inspector who is also SHO of Police Station the case diaries will
be directly forwarded to SDPO concerned who in turn shall after scrutiny and
necessary instructions to the I.O., dispose them off as prescribed.
examine the witnesses but also record their statements in full. The fact that the
recording of such statements may lead to possibility of contradictions and deviations
in the statements of witnesses and may cause inconvenience to the police in
furnishing copies to the accused cannot be valid and lawful ground for evading it.
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107.1 Case diary forms should be used for applying to Magistrates for warrants of
arrest or search, for proclamations and other orders connected with investigation and
for forwarding search lists provided these communications refer to registered cases.
Ordinarily, the memorandum form will be used.
107.2 Case diaries should also be written in cases, referred by a Magistrate to the
police for investigation under section 155, 156 or 202 of CrPC.
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Chapter 7
Power of Arrest
109. Chapter 5 of the Code of Criminal Procedures, 1973 deals with various provisions of
arrest (Section 41 to 60). Police officers derive their powers of arrest without warrant from
sections 41, 42, 43(2), 60, 129 and 151 CrPC. Provisions of sections 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 56,
57, 167 and 169 of CrPC deal with various procedures and precautions during and after
arrest.
109.1 The police under the above sections affect arrests without warrant; however, there are
provisions when they are required to arrest persons with warrants. The arrest warrants are
issued by the courts and there is no discretion available with the police for executing such
warrants and these should be executed in accordance with the directions of the court.
Arrest Warrants
110. The warrants are either bailable or non-bailable. In respect of bailable warrants the
arrestee should be released on bail when he offers the required security and in respect on
non-bailable warrants the police officer has no discretion, and the person must be produced
before the concerned Court. Prompt execution of warrant is one of the foremost duties of the
police and should receive high priority. The warrant must be executed by the officer to whom
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it is endorsed. If that officer wants warrant to be executed by his subordinate officer he must
make endorsement by name accordingly.
Arrest Precautions
111. Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution lay down that no one shall be deprived of his life
or liberty except in accordance with procedure established by law and that arrested persons
are entitled to know the grounds of their arrest and a right to consult and be defended by an
Advocate of their choice and that every arrested person should be produced before a
Magistrate within 24 hours. Arrest takes away the liberty of a person and should therefore be
affected in strictly compliance of the law. Wherever it is warranted, it should be promptly
carried out, but arrest, is not to be effected just because a police officer has the power. No
accurate account of all circumstances under which arrest without warrant can be made or
should not be made can be detailed. A police officer should exercise due prudence and
exercise his discretion in this regard in a judicious manner.
Conditions of Arrest
112. To infuse confidence among the terror stricken victims, particularly in grave offences
like murder, dacoity, robbery, burglary, rape, organized crime, terrorist offences etc. and, in
case where the accused is likely to abscond and evade the process of law, arrest should be
affected. If the accused is given to violent behaviour and is likely to commit further offences
unless his movements are brought under restraint, and if the accused is a habitual offender
and unless kept in custody, he is likely to continue to commit similar offences, he should be
arrested. Where it is necessary that his presence is required for the purpose of investigation,
he should be arrested. Likewise, where accused is likely to tamper or intimidate or cause
physical hurt to witnesses or destroy other evidence, he should be arrested.
Police Officer making an arrest should record the reasons for making the arrest to
justify it, if required. The Police Constables and Head Constables who make the
arrest should submit a report detailing the circumstances of the arrest to the SHO
or IO concerned who should incorporate the contents of such reports in the
General Diary, Case Diary etc. All Police Constables, Head Constables and SubInspectors working in the field and empowered under law to exercise the powers
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of arrest without warrant, should exercise their powers with prudence and be
accountable for the arrest made in the discharge of their assigned tasks and duties.
II.
In the light of these instructions, the action of Police Officers of all ranks in
arresting persons, if not necessary and not arresting when it is necessary, will
amount to misconduct, and may call for suitable disciplinary action. No arrest
should be made in a routine manner simply because the law empowers the police
officer to do so. The existence of the power to arrest is one thing, while
justification for the exercise of power of arrest is quite another. The police officer
may without arresting, keep a watch on a person and then arrest him, if
subsequent events justify such action. No restraint can lawfully be exercised over
a person so long as he is not arrested. The arrest should be avoided if the intention
is only to verify the suspicion of involvement against a person. A police officer
may under section 160 CrPC issue a notice to the suspected person to attend the
police station and interrogate him. He should not be detained for long and more
than necessary.
III.
When a police officer proceeds to arrest a person and cannot identify him
personally, he should secure the services of a person who knows the person to be
arrested and should also provide himself, if available, with a photograph, a
descriptive role and the marks of identification of that person. He should be sure
of the identity of the person to be arrested.
IV.
The police officer should be in uniform with his name and number if any, on the
pocket, besides carrying his identity card, or, if in plain clothes, carry his identity
card and should disclose his identity. He should arm himself with such firearms
and accessories required for his defence, if the circumstances demand such a
precaution.
V.
VI.
grounds for making the arrest. The arrest should be affected without unnecessary
violence or publicity.
VII.
Section 46 of the CrPC lays down that the police officer making the arrest of a
persons shall do so by actually touching or confining the body of the person to be
arrested, unless there is submission to the custody by word or action. When a
person is to be apprehended and if he resists by force or tries to evade, the
arresting police officer may use necessary force to arrest him except causing
death. But if the accused to be arrested is involved in an offence punishable with
death or imprisonment for life, the force can be even to the extent of causing
death depending upon the circumstances.
VIII.
The police personnel carrying out the arrest and handling the interrogation of the
arrestee should bear accurate, visible and clear identification and name tags with
their designations. The particulars of all such police personnel who handle
interrogation of the arrestee must be recorded in a register.
II.
The Police Officer carrying out the arrest of a person shall prepare a memo of
arrest at the time of arrest and such memo shall be attested by at least one witness,
who may be either member of the family of the arrestee or respectable person of
the locality where the arrest is made. It shall also be countersigned by the arrestee
and contain the time and date of arrest.
III.
A person who has been arrested or detained and is being held in custody in a
police station or interrogation centre or other lock-up, shall be entitled to have one
friend or relative or other person known to him or having interest in his welfare
informed, as soon as practicable, that he has been arrested and is being detained at
the particular place, unless the attesting witness of the memo of arrest is himself
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IV.
The time, place of arrest and venue of custody of an arrestee must be notified by
the police where the next friend or relative of the arrestee lives outside the district
or town through the Legal Aid Organization in the District and the police station
of the area concerned telegraphically within a period of 8 to 12 hours after the
arrest.
V.
The person arrested must be made aware of this right to have someone informed
of his arrest or detention as soon as he is put under arrest or is detained. An entry
must be made in the diary at the place of detention regarding the arrest of the
person which shall also disclose the name of the next friend of the person who has
been informed of the arrest and the names and particulars of the Police Officials
in whose custody the arrestee is.
VI.
The arrestee should, where he so requests, be also examined at the time of his
arrest about major or minor injuries, if any, present on his/her body. The
"Inspection Memo" must be signed both by the arrestee and the Police Officer
affecting the arrest and its copy provided to the arrestee.
VII.
VIII.
Copies of all the documents including the memo of arrest, referred to above,
should be sent to the jurisdictional Magistrate for his record. The arrestee may be
permitted to meet his lawyer during interrogation, though not throughout the
interrogation.
IX.
A police control room should be provided at all district and State headquarters,
where information regarding the arrest and the place of custody of the arrestee
shall be communicated by the officer causing the arrest, within 12 hours of
effecting the arrest and it should be displayed on a conspicuous police board at the
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Arrest of Female
116. Whenever it is necessary to cause a female to be searched, the search shall be made by a
Woman Police Officer or another female with strict regard to decency. The officer or other
person making any arrest, shall seize from the arrested person any offensive weapons, which
he has on his person and shall deliver all weapons so taken to the court or officer before
which or whom he is produced.
II.
Government Hospital. Any delay may cause death, in which case the police
officer in-charge of the police station will be held responsible. The statement of
the injured person should be recorded in the hospital and further action taken.
III.
When an arrestee demands examination of his body, which will afford evidence to
disprove the charge leveled against him and establish his innocence or evidence of
an offence against his own body, the Police Officer should forward him to the
Medical Officer of the Government Civil Hospital for the examination and injury
certificate. Such a certificate shall be forwarded to the Magistrate concerned.
III. Arrest of women should as far as possible during night times be avoided unless
it is inevitable. When it is not possible to secure the services of women Police
Officers, an officer of the rank of ASI or above should effect the arrests. Bail
may be granted where the offence for which the arrest is made is not of a
serious nature. The SHO may take exercise his discretion in non-bailable
offences to release a woman arrestee on bail.
IV. Whenever a woman is arrested, the services of women Police Officers should be
utilized for guarding and escorting her. If women Police Officers are not
available in the Police Station, one of the relations of the arrested woman, of her
choice can be permitted to remain with her. When interrogation of the arrested
woman is done by a male Police Officer the relation or woman Police Officer
should be present. If a Woman Police Officer herself is conducting the
interrogation, the presence of a woman relative may not be necessary.
the person) if, for any reason, prior intimation could not be given; and this should be
followed by a detailed report of the offence committed together with an indication as
to whether the arrested person is being released on bail or personal bond, by the
police.
c. Arrest of Public Servants on Operational Duty: When a public servant on
operational duty of a department of the Central or State Government, e.g., railway
staff like station masters, assistant station masters, guards, drivers and train control
staff; or electricity department staff like sub-station attendants, is to be arrested, prior
intimation should be given to his immediate superior, as a rule, to facilitate them to
make alternate arrangements. Departure from the procedure should be made only in
very exceptional cases and even in such cases; intimation should be given to the
superior officer immediately after the arrest of the public servant. "However, in
respect of the operational staff of the trains, prior intimation should invariably be
given to the Railway Divisional Authorities or where this is not possible, to the
superior available at the Station where the arrest is made".
d. Arrest of Employees of Foreign Diplomatic/Consular Missions: In the event of the
arrest of an Indian employee of a Foreign Diplomatic/Consular Mission, intimation
should immediately be given to the Foreign Diplomatic/Consular Mission through the
Government.
e. Arrest of Foreigners: When a foreigner is arrested, reports as required in Order 349
of Chapter 16 on Foreigners should be sent.
f. Arrest of Military Employees: The arrest of personnel of Armed Forces including
Navy and Air Force charged with the commission of an offence should be intimated
to the Commanding Officer to enable him to take appropriate measures for the
defence of the personnel.
I. The persons so arrested shall be dealt with in all respects like any other person
in the matter of the investigation of the offence in respect of which he is
arrested. The question as to whether he is to be tried by a Court Martial or a
Court functioning under the CrPC is a matter for decision between the
Commanding Officer and the Magistrate before whom he is brought by the
police, in accordance with the rules made by the Government of India under
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II.
A person who is arrested and not released on bail shall be detained in a secure
area of the Police Station earmarked for such purposes, under constant watch. A
prisoner whom the SHO considers being dangerous and is likely to escape should
be kept in the lock-up under continuous and effective watch. This should be done
only making a thorough search and necessary entries should be made in the
prisoners search register and guard or watch sentry relief book.
II.
A person called to a police station for questioning in order to verify his complicity
in any offence shall not be kept in lock-up, without effecting arrest. Arrested
persons who are known to be goondas, rowdies, dangerous criminals, members of
organized gangs, terrorist groups, those likely o escape and charged in serious
offences of murder, rape, kidnapping for ransom etc. should be kept in the lock up
rooms.
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III.
A person in police custody shall not be permitted to leave the lock-up after sun
set, except in special and emergent circumstances (and that too with adequate
escort) which shall be recorded in the general diary and the Sentry Relief Book.
IV.
A person in police custody prior to remand is entitled to see his relatives and an
Advocate. He should not, however, be allowed to talk to members of the public. If
the arrested person desires that one of his relatives may be permitted to remain
with him, his request should be considered unless there are compelling security
reasons. If the arrested person for health reasons prefers to get his food from his
residence, he can be permitted, but the person bringing food to the police station
should be made to eat samples of all the food items before serving to the person in
custody. However, in normal course, the arrested persons should be fed at
Government's cost as per the rates approved from time to time.
V.
Once a person is in custody of the police, the responsibility for his life and safety
will be totally on the police. The physical and psychological condition of every
person in custody is a major factor that should determine the precautions,
facilities and arrangements required to be made. The other factors such as the
nature of the offence in which he is involved, the investigation required to be
done, the antecedents, age, sex, ignorance and vulnerability are all vital and
crucial. While every case has its peculiar features and circumstances, certain
important stipulations should be observed.
II.
The first requirement is physical safety of the person in custody. This includes
safety from injury and death, whether self inflicted or otherwise. As the
psychological state of each individual cannot be accurately gauged, it is necessary
to realize that the general mental state of a person arrested and brought to police
station would be fear, shock, trauma, sense of guilt and shame etc. Suicidal
94
tendencies therefore develop. Hence the place where he is lodged should not
contain anything including his apparel or belongings that afford him any
opportunity to attempt or commit suicide.
III.
There should be a watch on the person all the time, at least by one policeman. The
room or place where he is kept should be such as to afford a full view to the
Police Officer posted to watch him and also to the Station Writer, HC or Duty
officer. The place of work of these two should be so adjusted as to afford a
complete view of the lock up rooms.
IV.
V.
VI.
No Police Officer or IO shall use any force or cause any physical injury during
interrogation of the person in custody. If such injuries are caused and result in
death of the person, the Police Officers concerned will be liable for prosecution
for homicide and the burden of proof of their innocence lies on them.
VII.
Two blankets and two dhurries for rural stations and four blankets and four
dhurries for town police stations having lock-ups should be supplied for the use of
persons in police custody for each lock-up. These should be always kept clean,
washed and dried. These articles will be treated as station property and the officer
in-charge of the station or Outpost will be responsible for their issue to such of the
prisoners who do not provide themselves with their own bedding.
95
VIII.
IX.
The persons in custody shall be taken to the latrine and shall be allowed to wash.
They shall be given food daily at 10.00 am or earlier if necessary before he is
taken to Court and again at 5 pm. If prisoners are not brought to the station before
the hours prescribed for meals they should be given food as soon as possible after
they are confined in the lock up rooms. They should be fed at government cost if
food is not brought by their relatives.
X.
XI.
When convicted prisoners are escorted along with under-trial prisoners, the
96
former may be conveyed by the transport Bus in which the latter are conveyed,
irrespective of the distance travelled, in order to avoid the inconvenience and
expense of providing a separate escort for them.
XII.
Use of Handcuffs
124. The use of handcuffs or leg chains should be avoided and if at all, it should be resorted
to strictly in accordance with the law mandated in judgment of the Supreme Court in Prem
Shankar Shukla vs. Delhi Administration (1980, 3 SCC 526) and Citizen for Democracy vs
State of Assam (1995, 3 SCC 743). The points to be observed in this regard are as follows:
a. When an accused is in Court during the trial, he must be held to be in the custody of
the Court. If an accused is so dangerous that it is necessary to handcuff him,
representation should be made to the Court, and the Court will issue appropriate
instructions in the matter. Accused persons while in Court during trial should not be
handcuffed except with the permission of the Court.
b. Under-trial prisoners and other accused persons shall not be handcuffed and chained
without specific permission of the court and only if there is a reasonable
apprehension, either due to heinous nature of the crimes with which they are charged
or from their character or behaviour that such persons will use violence or will
attempt to escape or that an attempt will be made to rescue them. The same principle
shall be applied to convicts proceeding in public while in police custody. Whenever
non-convicted accused persons are handcuffed with court's permission, the fact and
the reasons for it shall be stated in the Station House general diary, the sentry relief
book, and in the remand diary forwarded to the Magistrate.
c. The prisoners either convicte4d or under trial and confined in a sub-jail shall not be
handcuffed, whenever they are taken out in the precincts of the sub-jail for food or
other necessities, rather the entire guard including the guard commander shall be
present. If there are more number of prisoners, the guard in-charge should inform the
97
officer in-charge of the police station to send two or three constables to assist the subjail guard during the period when the prisoners are taken out. The officer in-charge of
police station shall provided extra manpower as required by the guard in-charge.
d. Whenever, it is considered necessary to handcuff certain prisoners confined in subjai, while they are taken out, the written orders of the Magistrate should be obtained
and the permission granted by him should be maintained in a book to be kept by the
guard officer.
e. With regard to a refractory, violent or dangerous prisoner, the officer in-charge of the
sub-jail guard or the senior Police officer present may control him only by utilizing
more personnel and by such force as may be necessary, while rushing a messenger to
the concerned court or Magistrate for permission to handcuff him.
f. Under-trial-prisoners or accused persons in Hospital should not be handcuffed
without permission of the court. In no case should prisoners or accused persons who
are aged and bed ridden in hospital or women prisoners, juvenile prisoners or civil
prisoners be handcuffed or fettered. If necessary extra guard should be provided. The
restriction on use of handcuffs is not to place any embargo on use of minimum force
to control a violent prisoner.
III. Whenever sick prisoners are brought from rural police stations to district headquarters hospitals and admitted as in-patients, the fact should be reported to the
Superintendent of Police of the district or Dy. Superintendent of Police or the
Inspector of the District Reserve Police in whose area the hospital is located,
and an armed guard will be provided from the Reserve.
98
IV. In large hospitals in cities, where prisoner's wards are provided, the guard
provided for the prisoner's ward should take charge of such prisoners brought
from the districts. The guard in-charge of the district headquarters hospital or
city hospital, should find out from the resident Medical Officer or in-charge
Medical Officer of the ward about the probable date of discharge of the
prisoner. The information about date of discharge should be furnished to the
police station or district from which the prisoner was admitted to the hospital, so
that the concerned police shall take back the prisoner.
VI. In case of death of a prisoner admitted to the hospital, the officer in-charge of
the police station in whose jurisdiction the hospital is situated shall register a
case under section 174 CrPC and, inform the Executive Magistrate to hold
inquest and make such other enquiries. Finally the dead body will be handed
over to the relations through concerned police.
lock-up if there are already prisoners of the concerned police station, the key shall remain
with the in-charge of the guard. In all circumstances, the duty of supplying the prisoners with
food and guarding them, when taken outside the lock-up, shall lie with the outside officers.
Bail
128. Bail broadly means surety security for release of a person who is arrested. A person is
released on bail with or without sureties. Offences are of two types as far as bail is
concerned, bailable and non-bailable. When a person is arrested for a bailable offence, he is
entitled to be released on bail either by the SHO or by court. In cases of arrests for nonbailable offences, bail is discretion.
(a) Bail in Bailable offences: The SHO is competent to release a person on bail when
arrested for bailable offences. If the arresting police officer is not the SHO, the
arrestee shall be produced before the SHO with a written report for release on bail. If
the accused jumps bail in a bailable offence and when he is arrested again, it should
be treated as a non-bailable offence. In case bail is given by SHO in bailable offence
the bond should be taken in the Form. The detailed addresses of the sureties have to
be noted there in.
100
(b) Bail in Non-Bailable Offences: When a person is arrested for a non-bailable offence
ordinarily he shall be produced before the court but the SHO may release on bail in
exceptional cases covered by section 437(1) and (2) CrPC after obtaining express
permission by SP/DCP/CP concerned.
129.1 Bailable Warrants: When a person is arrested under a bailable warrant, he should not
be compelled to come to the police station to give bail. He should be given bail at the place
of arrest if he offers security.
129.2 Anticipatory Bail: When a person apprehends arrest for a non-bailable offence on a
reasonable suspicion, he may apply to the High Court or Sessions court to give a direction to
release him on bail in case he is arrested. In such cases the court gives notice to the P.P. with
sufficient information to enable him to argue the case. In case the order is given in favour of
the petitioner, the direction will be that he should be released on bail in case he is arrested on
taking security as specified in that order. This clearly shows that the police officers are
competent to arrest even if one gets such order. The only facility is that he should be released
on bail in case of arrest without producing him in court. The court may be requested to
impose appropriation conditions in case an order is given in his favour.
When a person is arrested during the course of investigation and if the investigation is
not completed within 24 hours, the officer in charge of the police station shall
forward the accused to the nearest judicial magistrate along with a remand report
enclosed by the case diary written till that date.
ii.
The accused will be remanded only when the investigation discloses some offence
101
against him so far and further investigation is needed for completion. A remand at a
time will be for a maximum period of 15 days. However in cases under A.P. Control
of Organized Crimes Act 2001 and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002, the police
remand may be for 30 days. Further remand if necessary is only by the jurisdictional
magistrate. The police can seek remand for 60 days in ordinary cases where offences
are punishable with imprisonment for less than 10 years and 90 days in cases
punishable with death or life imprisonment or with imprisonment for not less than 10
years. If the charge sheet is not filed within that period, the accused shall be entitled
for a bail even in a serious case like murder.
iii.
Searches
131. Searches, personal and house, are important tools of investigation. Police Officers are
empowered to conduct these searches as per the various provisions under CrPC. Personal
search is conducted immediately after a person is arrested and taken under the custody.
House search can be conducted prior to arrest or after the arrest as per the needs and demands
of the investigation.
the search, the Police Officer must record in writing the grounds of his belief,
specifying therein the thing for which the search is made. If the Investigating Officer
is unable to conduct the search in person, he may require any officer subordinate
Police Officer so deputed should be given an order in writing specifying the place
where and the thing for which the search is to be made. Copies of records made above
should be sent to the nearest Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of the offence.
ii.
iii.
Under Section 165(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Station House Officer
or Investigating Officer must, if practicable, perform the actual searching in person. If
incapacitated from so doing he must comply with Sub-section (3) of that section and
deliver to his subordinate the prescribed order in writing. A verbal order given on the
spot will not fulfill the requirements of the section.
shall be allowed to be present during the search and a copy of the search list signed
by the witnesses shall be given to him.
ii.
When any person is searched under sub-section (3) of Section 100 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, a copy of the list of things taken possession of shall be given to
him. Before the commencement of the search, the person of the Police Officer and the
witnesses should be searched, so that there may not be suspicion of something
extraneous being planted in the house or the place to be searched.
iii.
The law does not require a search under the Code of Criminal Procedure to be made
only by daylight, but, normally, daylight should be awaited. If information is received
after dusk necessitating the immediate search of a house and if it is apprehended that
delay till daybreak might result in evidence being concealed or destroyed, the house
should be sealed and guarded and if that is not possible, search should be conducted
during the night itself. Before entering the premises to be searched, the exterior of the
place shall be inspected to see whether facilities exist for introducing property from
outside. Search must be systematic and thorough. Women should be allowed to
withdraw. Indiscriminate search and damage to property should be avoided.
iv.
A search list shall be prepared on the completion of the search in quadruplicate, all
the copies being signed by the Police Officer making the search and the witnesses to
the search. One copy will be handed over to the owner or occupant of the house, the
second copy should be sent to the Magistrate and the third copy should be sent with
the case diary to the superior officer to whom case diaries are sent. The fourth copy
will form the station record. If blank paper has unavoidably to be used, four copies of
the list should be made and dealt with as above affixing the fourth copy to search list
book, on return to the station.
ii.
Search report and one copy of the record so prepared without delay should be sent to
the Magistrate and duplicate copy to be submitted to the senior officer, and the third
copy be kept in case diary file. The Panchas and witnesses should be respectable and
inhabitants of the locality. When it is not practicable to do so and Panchas have to be
selected from any other place, make a record of the reason in case diary. Avoid
calling the same Panchas to witness several searches. If, for any reasons, the same
Panchas have witnessed more than one search, make a record of those reasons in case
diary. When the Panchas are selected, serve an order on each of them requesting them
to attend and witness the search.
iii.
Commence the search only after securing the presence of witnesses and explaining to
them the object of the search and the articles for which it is made. Before
commencing the search, call out the inmates and have their bodies searched observing
due formalities. Before commencing the search, request the occupants of the place to
be searched to be present and to attend the search. If the occupant is not willing or
fails to be present to attend the search, make a record of it in the search list and the
case diary.
iv.
If there is reasonably apprehension that the delay caused in securing the attendance of
the occupant frustrates the very object of search, proceed with the search in the
presence of whosoever present on his behalf and record the reasons for so proceeding,
in case diary and search list. Get yourself and the witnesses searched in the presence
of the owner or occupier or any other adult male member of the house, if available,
before the commencement of the search. When once the search is started, do not
allow persons inside the house to go out or those outside to come in. conduct the
search in each room in the actual presence of the witnesses.
v.
After the search is completed and the thing or things for which the search was
conducted and any other incriminating articles are fond or brought out, get yourself
and the witnesses again searched and make a record of it in the search list. Mention
clearly in the search list every item of property seized, the exact place where it was
found and how and by what means it was taken out from that place. Note in the
105
search list the descriptive particulars and identification marks of the incriminating
articles recovered. Make out the search list on the spot even if no articles re seized.
Record the number of the house and other particulars including the occupant's name,
parentage and occupation.
vi.
Recover documents, if any, to prove the ownership or occupancy of the person from
the place where incriminating articles are recovered and record such recovery in the
search list. Sign with date on all pages of all copies of the search list and obtain the
signatures of the witnesses on all pages of all the copies. Give under acknowledgment
a copy of the search list immediately to the occupant of the house searched.
vii.
On completion of the proceedings send without delay one copy of the search list to
the jurisdictional Magistrate, attach another copy to the case diary of the relevant date
to be sent to your officer, file the third copy in your case diary file, and attach the
fourth copy to the final report to be sent to the court.
Custody of Property
135. According to Section 541 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, when any property
regarding which any offence appears to have been committed or which appears to have been
used for the commission of any offence is produced before any criminal court during any
inquiry or trial, the court may make such order as it thinks fit for the proper custody of such
property pending the conclusion of the inquiry or trial. If the property is subject to speedy or
natural decay or if it is otherwise expedient so to do, the court may, after recording such
evidence as it thinks necessary, order it to be sold or otherwise disposed of. Thus, this section
provides for the interim custody of property. The Magistrate, as a rule, will provide a place
for the safe custody of property seized in cases. If however, he refuses to take charge of it,
the police must be responsible for it. Such property should be kept under lock and key in a
lock-up cell or in an iron clamped box in custody of the treasury or sub-jail guard.
a. The police shall retain the property sufficiently long to enable the parties to appeal to
a higher court against the court's or Magistrate's procedure.
b. If no application for revision is made nor order passed on revision, the police shall
return the property to the person from whom it was taken, unless there is obvious
objection to so doing.
c. In doubtful cases the police may apply for an order under Section 457 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure to the Magistrate having jurisdiction.
d. When no order can be obtained from a Magistrate or court an the ownership of the
property is in dispute or difficult of determination, the safest course will be for the
police to retain the property until one of the parties obtains the order of a court. Such
case shall be reported to the Director General for orders.
e. The police shall not hand over property seized in a criminal case to a person, other
than the one from whom it was taken, without the orders of a court or Magistrate.
Live-Stock
137. The seizure of live-stock by the police in criminal cases shall be forthwith reported to
the Magistrate for orders under Section 457 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Pending the
orders of the Magistrate regarding its disposal, the live-stock shall remain in the custody of
the police, but they may deliver it to the charge of the Village Officer or its owner to be
produced when required. The Magistrate having jurisdiction will be responsible for the cost
of its feeding in cases other than those in which it is handed over to the owner.
107
Chapter 8
III.In forensic science, the laws of various facets of science are applied in conducting on
analysis to determine the nature and characteristics of Physical Evidence collected
in the process of crime or civil investigation. Using the scientific methods,
108
inferences are drawn about how the evidence can be linked to crime and criminal.
These inferences are thus connected to the events that may or may not have taken
place in connection with said evidence. The law defines elements of a crime;
science contributes information to assist in determining whether an element is
present or absent.
IV.It is an established fact that the criminals while committing crimes either due to
carelessness or due to anxiety, or due to contact with other objects leave traces at
the scenes and these are the basis for scientifically exploiting their culpability.
This physical evidence when located, collected, preserved and forwarded for
scientific evaluation and report is bound to have enormous potential in linking the
criminal to the crime scene, victim or any other circumstances leading to the
crime. Moreover evidence collected and based on scientific evolution and report
is unbiased, universally acceptable and also stands the test of time.
(b) State Forensic Laboratory (SFL) Every State has a State level Forensic
Science Laboratory with various wings along with regional or district
branches to provide scientific help to police on various subjects.
(d) Clinical Forensic Medicine: Wounds cases are examined to decide the type
(eg. Abrasion), age and nature (simple/grievous) of the wound as well as the
type of the weapon (blunt/sharp) responsible for the same. In sexual offence
cases, both the accused and the victim are examined for signs of recent sexual
intercourse. Further, the accused in particular is examined for potency and the
victim for determination of her age, if required. Age determination is also
conducted in cases such as kidnapping, juvenile crime and disputed age
claims.
(h) Miscellaneous Institutes: In every State there are institutions like Institute of
Preventive Medicine, Chemical Examiner-Prohibition & Excise, Government
Food Laboratories, and Government Drug Control Laboratories which
110
The word Physical Evidence denotes all evidence having certain physical
dimensions such as size, shape, pattern, length, width, height, volume etc., which
can be preserved, lifted, collected, packed and forwarded for scientific analysis to
the specialist concerned. Physical evidence can alternatively be called as material
evidence, objective evidence, circumstantial evidence or indirect evidence in
different contexts. Physical Evidence includes all naturally occurring substances
as well as machine/men made objects in the Universe.
II.
III.
Information on the Corpus Delicti: The corpus delicti (literally means the "body
of the crime") refers to those essential facts which show that a crime has taken
place. For example, tool marks, broken doors or windows, ransacked rooms, and
missing valuables would be important in establishing that a burglary has taken
place. Similarly, in an assault case, the victim's blood, a weapon, or torn clothing
could be important pieces of physical evidence.
IV.
(IED's) in serial blast cases. Analysis of physical evidence is one important way
of linking cases in the investigation of a "serial" killer or rapist.
V.
Linking a Suspect with a Victim: This linkage is one of the most common and
important aspects that physical evidence can help to establish. Blood, hairs,
clothing fibers, cosmetics and other items from the victim may be transferred to a
perpetrator. Items found in a suspect's possession can sometimes be linked to a
victim, for example through the comparison of bullets with a weapon seized from
the suspect; the suspect can be linked with crime. It is also possible that evidence
is transferred from a perpetrator to a victim; in rape, murder and assault cases.
VI.
Linking a Person to a Crime Scene: This type of link is also one of the most
vital in a crime scene investigation. Numerous types of evidence may be
deposited by the person committing a crime, including fingerprints, foot prints,
blood, hair, fibers, and soil. In addition, the type of weapons or objects used may
also leave evidence, for example, bullets and cartridge cases or tool marks.
Depending on the type of crime, various kinds of evidence from the scene may be
carried away intentionally, as a stolen property and unintentionally as a transfer of
trace evidence such as carpet fibers or hairs on the criminal's shoes or clothing.
These materials are extremely useful in linking an individual to a particular crime
scene.
VII.
112
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
reconstruction of the events surrounding the crime scene and the nature of
offence. Sometimes it may also give valuable leads regarding the perpetrator
based on the individual traits in relation to the evidentiary pattern.
(a) Identification: The absolute determination of the biological, physical or chemical nature
of a substance is the purpose of identification. This information helps the police officer to
secure leads for further investigation or confirm his hypothesis or draw certain inferences and
conclusions based on other circumstantial evidences, e.g.
1. Identification of specific poison in the viscera of a person who died under suspicious
circumstances.
114
(c) Individual Characteristics: Evidence that can be traced to a common source with an
extremely high degree of probability is said to possess individual characteristics. Examples
of this type are the matching ridge characteristics of the fingerprints, the comparison of
random striation marks on bullets, tool marks, irregular and random tread patterns in tyre or
footwear impressions and handwriting for authorship determination.
(d) Class characteristics: Evidence is said-to possess class or group characteristics when it
can only be traced to a group and not to a single source. Here, probability is a determining
factor. Class characteristics help provide leads and corroborate evidence.
Report
(post-mortem examination)
in
Toxicology
cases,
Medical
examination Report of victim and accused (if arrested) in rape and serology cases.
d) Confessional Statements of suspects/accused, statements of witnesses, etc., in
115
Polygraph cases.
e) Inquest/Panchanama copies in Toxicology cases.
f) FIR copies where desirable.
g) Sample seal on a sheet of paper, or on forwarding letter/letter of advice.
h) Any other document relevant for examination
ii.
iii.
iv.
2. The major contribution of forensic science is in the area of scientific examination and
analysis of evidence materials either collected from the scene of crime or obtained by the
investigating agency during the course of investigation. Further, significant contribution can
also be made to improve the efficiency of the investigation by the presence of the forensic
scientists at the scene of crime to precisely decide on the nature of clue materials on which
reliance could be placed either during the investigation and/or during the trial. Forensic
science has gained tremendous evidentiary value owing to the rapid development of science
and technology. The outstanding advancement of forensic science is in the area of DNA
(DEOXY RIBO NUCLEIC ACID) profiling on the basis of which it has become possible to
precisely fix the identity by analyzing tissues, bones, hairs, and body fluids including semen
of the accused or victim.
3. The Forensic Science Laboratory has great responsibility in aiding the investigation right
from the examination of scene of offence to the level of rendering evidence before the courts
of law in the system. The FSL primarily caters to the needs of investigation at various stages,
thereby producing an impaction the quality of investigation in the areas mentioned below:
2. Law of Individuality
Every object natural or man made, animate or inanimate has some individuality/uniqueness
of its own which is not repeated in any other objects. The natural objects are; human beings,
animals, plants, leaves, seeds, insects, wood, soil etc., whereas the man made objects are;
tools, guns, bullets, shoes, pens, paper, ink, pills etc.
4. Principle of Comparison
117
The principle of comparison is based on the hypothesis that only like things can be
compared. No purpose will be served if comparison is made between black fiber and black
hair, grey hair and grey fiber, bullet .38 and bullet .32, nylon fiber and cotton fiber, Telugu
Writing- English Writing, etc.
5. Principle of Analysis
The analysis can be no better than the sample itself. Hence the importance of proper
collection of sample and also its integrity and chain of custody is of great significance.
6. Law of Probability
All identifications definite or indefinite are made consciously or unconsciously on the basis
of Probability.
ESDA
149. Miscellaneous Police Equipment for Technical Support
(1) Explosive Detector
(2) Deep Search Mine/metal Detector
(3) Extension Search Mirror
(4) Night Vision Device
(5) Hand held metal detector
(6) Investigation Kit
(7) Portable X-ray unit
(8) Small Arm training stimulator
(9) Satellite telephone - Iridium
(10) Multi Shot riot gun
(11) Cellular phones
(12) Polygraph machine
(13) Bomb Blanket
(14) Bullet proof vehicle
(15) Breath Analyser
(16) Traffic radar for vehicle speed detection
(17) Search light
(18) Dogs- Tracker & Sniffer
(19) Binoculars
(20) Bullet proof jacket
(21) Bomb Disposal equipment
(22) Pollution measuring equipment
(23) Traffic signaling equipment
(24) Control Room Equipment.
(25) Porta Hut
(26) Body protector set - Poly Carbonate Sheet, Rubberised Baton, Riot Control Helmet
Self protection Aerosol spray
(27) Vehicle mounted Water
(28) Video Camera
150. The following table presents a birds eye view on use and utility of various police
equipment.
S.
Name of Equipment
Utility
No.
1
Explosive Detector
2.
Mine
Sweeper/Deep
Detector
3.
Mine Sweeper
4.
5.
Wire & Cable Locator WD-3.WD-4, For the detection of buried wire and
WD-5, MEL-1690
6.
7.
8.
Door Frame Metal Detector (Portable & For the detection of ferrous & non
Fixed)
ferrous metals.
9.
10.
Search Light
For carrying
checks
11.
Binocular
For Surveillance
12.
13.
Prodder
14.
TOOL Kit (Screw driver set cutter, plier, Useful in anti sabotage checks
tester, nylon rope, etc.
121
15.
16.
17.
18.
For
checking
inside
Briefcases, closed
suspected
packets etc.
Polygraph Machine
20.
Breath Analyser
21.
22.
23.
Bomb Truck
Transport
equipment
for
bomb
disposal
24
Bomb Blanket
25.
Bomb Basket
26.
Bomb-suit
27.
28.
29.
Blasting machine
Same as above.
30.
Gas Gun
Same as above.
31.
32.
Ice Tong
33.
34
Cellular Phone
For communication
35
Thermal Cutter
37.
Drilling Machine
38
39
Sniper rifle
40
41
Portahut
42
Rubberised baton
43
Polycarbonate shield
Riot control
44
45
Investigation Kit
46
47
48
Speedet
49
CC TV Systems
For
monitoring
unauthorised
intrusion
50
Alarm Systems
51
For
training
of troops
without
expending ammunition.
52
53
54
Vehicle immobiliser
55
56
Frequency Jammer
57
58
59
For cross
country
troop
transportation
60
Tape Recorder
61
Concealed Camera
62
Chapter 9
One year, if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term not-exceeding
one year;
Three years, if the offence is punishable with imprisonment not exceeding three
years,
125
(ii) The prosecution will have to explain the reasons for the delay if the charge sheet is filed
after the expiry of the period of limitation. The Court has to be satisfied with reasons
adduced for delay. Sections 469 to 472 CrPC deal with the commencement of limitation,
exclusion of time in certain cases etc.
(iii) As per section 167(5) CrPC, when the police officer arrests a person in a summons case
and if the investigation is not completed within 6 months and whether the person is on bail or
in custody, the magistrate is competent to order the closure of the investigation and on such
order further investigation is not allowed unless ordered by the session court. Therefore in
such cases, it must be ensured that the investigation is completed within that period.
(iv) Section 167(2)(a) CrPC empowers the Court to order release of the accused in custody if
the charge sheet is not filed within 60 days or 90 days as the case may be. Hence, the IO
should complete the investigation in the above cases within the time prescribed. If the
investigation could not be completed within the said period of 60 or 90 days the accused will
be entitled for bail. Care must be taken to speed up investigation in such cases if the accused
is to be continued in remand. However, incomplete charge sheet shall not be filed for the
sake of keeping the accused in remand.
(v) Sections 173(8) Cr.P.C. provides for a supplementary or additional charge sheet. This
provision is not a substitute for original charge sheet. This provision is meant for filing a
subsequent charge sheet only when there is fresh and further evidence about the offence or
offender, which is not known at the time of filing the first charge sheet.
Charge Sheets
156. If, upon the completion of an investigation, it appears to the Officer-in-charge of a
Police Station that there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of charge sheet against the
accused, he will submit to the Magistrate empowered to take cognizance of the offence, a
charge sheet setting forth therein the names of the parties with their full addresses and of the
persons, who appear to be acquainted with the circumstances of the case, stating whether the
accused (if arrested) has been forwarded in custody or has been released on bond, and, if so,
whether with or without sureties. The names of such of the accused as are absconding should
be entered in red ink in the appropriate column of the charge sheet. Care should be taken to
126
see that all the columns in the charge sheet are filled in properly. No column should be left
blank. The officer-in-charge of the Police Station shall also communicate the action taken by
him to the person, if any, by whom the information relating to the commission of the offence
was first given. Once the investigation is completed and a prima facie case is made out, there
should be no delay in the submission of the charge sheet.
The charge should be brief but at the same time clear. The date, time and place of
offence should invariably be mentioned in the charge. In simple cases, the charge
sheets shall be prepared by Sub-Inspectors in consultation with the Inspector, where
necessary. In cases involving complicated points of law, the charge sheets should be
prepared in consultation with the Assistant Public Prosecutor, and also the Public
Prosecutor, where necessary. In important and complicated cases, it is advisable to
consult the assistant Public Prosecutor or Public Prosecutor, if necessary, even at the
stage of investigation, in order to enable the Investigating Officer to conduct the
investigation on proper lines and to collect the type of evidence required by law to
bring home the guilt of the accused.
ii.
iii.
While all documents or relevant extracts thereof on which the prosecution proposes to
rely other than those already sent to the Magistrate during investigation and the
statements recorded under section 161 Cr.P.C. of all the persons whom the
prosecution proposes to examine as its witness should be forwarded to the Magistrate
along with the report under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The
investigating officer should furnish to the accused copies of the documents.
iv.
If the Police officer is of the opinion that any part of statements recorded under SubSection (3) of Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is not relevant to the
subject matter of the inquiry or trial or that its disclosure to the accused is not
127
essential in the interest of justice and is inexpedient in the public interest, he shall
exclude such part from the copy of the statement furnished to the accused, and in such
a case, he shall make a report to the Magistrate stating his reason for excluding such
part.
Where an accused person against whom a charge sheet is being filed is absconding,
the officer-in-charge of the Police Station shall append a note on the charge sheet
itself requesting the Magistrate to issue a non bailable warrant for the apprehension of
the accused. If the warrant cannot be executed within a reasonable time, the Station
House Officer or the Investigating Officer shall move the court for instituting
proceedings under Sections 82 and 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. If it is
proved that there is no immediate prospect of arresting the accused even after action
has been taken under section 82 and 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the court
may, in the absence of the accused, examine the witnesses produced on behalf of the
prosecution and record their depositions under Section 299 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure. If, at any future time, the accused person is apprehended or appears before
the court, the case against him shall be revived and dealt with according to law. Any
such deposition recorded in the absence of the accused may, on the arrest of such
person, be given in evidence against him in the inquiry into or trial of the offence
with which he is charged, if the deponent is dead or incapable of giving evidence or
his attendance cannot be procured without an amount of delay, expense or
inconvenience which, under the circumstances of the case, would be unreasonable.
ii.
Where there are several accused persons in a case and only some of them have
appeared or have been produced before the court and the presence of the other
accused cannot be secured within a reasonable time, steps should be taken to move
the Magistrate to proceed with the case against such of the accused as have appeared
and dispose it of according to law reserving the right of the State to proceed against
the other accused, when their presence is secured.
iii.
arrest and has gone into hiding and that the warrant could not be executed. Hence, the
initiative has to be taken by the Investigating Officer. Once the proclamation orders
are issued they should be immediately promulgated. Orders of attachment under
Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure can also be issued simultaneously
along with the proclamation orders. The period of 30 days mentioned in Section 82 of
the Code of Criminal Procedure is the time allowed to the accused to surrender. The
Court issuing a proclamation under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
may at any time order the attachment of any property moveable or immovable both
belonging to the proclaimed person. Attachment should be carried out promptly after
the proclamation has been properly made and the property of the proclaimed person
seized before he has time to transfer, alienate, mortgage or conceal them.
iv.
It is necessary that the proclamation order issued under Section 82 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure should be widely published in the manner provided for in that
section. In order to facilitate the arrest of an absconding warrantee or a proclaimed
offender, it is also necessary that an effective watch is maintained over his
harbourers. Persons who willfully or knowingly harbor such offenders could be
prosecuted under Section 216 of the Indian Penal Code. It is, therefore, necessary that
the widest publicity is given to the proclamation order issued under Section 82 of the
Code of Criminal Procedure so that its knowledge can be conclusively proved against
the harbourers for his successful prosecution under Section 216 of the Indian Penal
Code.
v.
The Station House Officer should not be satisfied or rest content that the formalities
under Sections 82 and 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been gone through.
As long as the proclaimed offender's name is on the list of proclaimed offenders of
his station, he and his station staff are responsible for finding out where he is and who
is harboring him. If the proclaimed offender is learnt to be in the jurisdiction of
another station, he should forthwith inform the Station House Officer of the other
station to arrest him. Preferably, he can proceed himself or in unavoidable
circumstances send his subordinates immediately to arrest the wanted person with the
help of the other station staff.
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The charge sheet shall be prepared, forwarded and presented to the court only by the
SHO/I.O. The IO should prepare report giving the details of the case, discuss the
nature of evidence and the liability or otherwise of each accused, the probable
defence and its plausibility or otherwise and finally the action proposed by him.
ii.
The IO while considering the case should not act as a mere post office to transmit
each and every case to the Court. At the same time it is also not desirable that he
should usurp the function of the trial court by examining the evidence inch by inch.
Availability of sufficient evidence does not mean sufficient ground for conviction but
such evidence as would be sufficient to put the accused on trial. Where there is
reasonable doubt, as to what evidence is to be believed, it is better the SHO sends the
case to the Court which is the proper authority to resolve the doubt. Where two views
are possible the case should be sent for trial.
iii.
After completion of the investigation the SHO shall forward the file to the APP for
his opinion whether the material is sufficient to charge the case and also to discuss
with the APP in person. The APP after perusing the case file shall give his opinion.
If further investigation is necessary he shall give his opinion in accordance with the
guidelines. If the material is sufficient for charge sheet, he shall give a draft charge
sheet. On receipt of the same the SHO shall file charge sheet or investigate further as
the case may be. If further investigation is carried out it will be once again submitted
to the APP for charge sheet. In small and simple cases, the SHO may file charge
sheet himself but where the police expect the APP to conduct the prosecution
successfully and with responsibility, the above procedure shall be followed.
iv.
In case of all grave crimes and in sessions cases the SDPO should submit the file for
orders to SP/Additional SP with his comments.
Juvenile Offenders
160. When a juvenile accused is arrested or prosecuted, information about the age of such
accused should invariably be furnished to the court by the Police officer taking action in the
case to enable the court to determine the age of the accused.
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Sections 195 to 199 of the Code of Criminal Procedure mention the cases of which
the courts shall not take cognizance without the sanction of, or complaint by some
competent authority. In such cases, it should be seen that the required sanction is got
when the investigation is completed and the original sanction should be attached to
the charge sheet when laid in the court.
ii.
Prosecutions under Section 182 or Section 211 of the Indian Penal Code should not
be initiated without the orders of the Superintendent or the Sub-Divisional Police
officer. For prosecutions under Section 182, Indian Penal Code, a complaint in
writing should be made to the Magistrate having jurisdiction by the officer who
registered the case, his successor or his immediate superior officer under Section
195(1) (a), Criminal Procedure Code. Presentation of charge sheets in such cases is
illegal, as the court has to take cognizable directly under section 190Cr.PC.
iii.
No prosecution for an offence punishable under Section 211 of the Indian Penal Code
shall be launched, when such offence is alleged to have been committed in, or in
relation to a proceeding in any court except on the complaint in writing of such court
or some other court to which such court is subordinate.
If, after the completion of an investigation, the Investigating Officer considers that in
spite of all steps taken, there is no prospect of obtaining any further clue and that
nothing more can be done in the case, he will submit a final report treating the case as
undetectable, unoccured, without sufficient evidence or report made due to genuine
misunderstanding. But, in instances where cases have to be referred as mistake of
fact, mistake of law, civil in nature or false, the final report should be submitted
forthwith. In cases where accused person or persons dies/die before the completion of
investigation and no person or persons can be charged, a final report should be sent to
the Magistrate having jurisdiction.
ii.
Cases must not be reported as false unless they are clearly so. Mere probability will
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not suffice. Delay in referring cases as false must be particularly avoided, and cases in
which there has been serious delay must be returned as undetectable, unless fresh
facts are elicited demonstrating them to be false. In cases disposed of under Section
173 and proviso (b) to sub-section (1) of Section 157 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, including charged cases, the police have to serve a notice on the
complainant or informant and forward the duplicate, duly endorsed, with the final
report to the Magistrate. In cases in which investigation is refused, a copy of the
notice will be attached to the First Information Report sent to court. Final reports
have to be sent through the Circle Officer who is bound to forward them to the
Magistrate without delay, noting upon them any orders issued to the Station House
Officer and any remarks that he may have to offer. The Inspector may order the
Station House Officer to make further inquiry or do so himself.
Director of Prosecutions who while keeping the Superintendent informed, may furnish his
remarks, if any, direct to the Law Department.
such offence was against any law relating to a matter within the executive power of
the Union, extends or
ii.
iii.
iv.
the offence was committed by a person in the service of Central Government while
acting in discharge of his official duty and the prosecutor in charge of the case has not
been appointed by the Central Government, he shall not, unless he has been permitted
by the Central Government to do so, move the court for its consent to withdraw from
the prosecution.
(2)
Prosecutor
is
bound
to
receive
instructions of the Government regarding the withdrawal of the case from the court.
(3) The opinion of the Superintendent of Police concerned will be taken by the Government
through the Home Department before taking a decision for withdrawal of the case.
(4) The Public Prosecutor has to make out grounds which would show that the prosecution
is sought to be withdrawn because inter-alia the prosecution might not be able to produce
sufficient evidence to sustain the charge or that the prosecution does not appear to be well
founded or that there are other circumstances which clearly show that the object of
administration of justice would not be advanced or furthered by going on with the
prosecution. The ultimate guiding consideration must be the interest of administration of
justice.
Strictures
166. In the case of judgments in which there are strictures, the following action should be
133
taken 1) As soon as a judgment in a criminal case filed by the police is concluded in the court,
the concerned Prosecutor and the Investigating Officer will examine the judgment for
any strictures or other remarks, either generally on the investigation or prosecution of
the case or especially against any Police Officer or other Government servant.
2) When there are strictures or other remarks, the Prosecutor will at once obtain a copy
of the judgment and send it with his remarks to the Deputy Director of Prosecutions
who will then examine the judgment and forward it to the concerned Range Inspector
General of Police and Commissioner of Police with his report and arrange to take
appropriate action against the concerned Police Officer for the judicial strictures
passed against them. He will then submit the records to the Director General along
with his report indicating the nature of action taken in the matter.
3) In the case of strictures or other remarks in judgments pronounced by the High Court,
the Advocate General will send with his comments, a copy of the judgments to the
Director of Prosecutions who will transmit them to the Director General along with
his remarks for appropriate action.
4) The Superintendent while furnishing his remarks required under Sub-Order (2) will
specifically mention whether or not the strictures or remarks are justified; and if
unjustified, what action he has taken for their expunction. The IGP will also furnish
his specific opinion in that behalf.
5) If any strictures or other adverse remarks, either against a Police Officer generally on
the investigation or prosecution of the case, are wholly unjustified or excessive or
deserve expunction, the Superintendent will take prompt action to
obtain the
opinion of the Advocate-General and for addressing the Government for sanction
to move the High Court, for expunction.
6) If the Advocate General makes a recommendation and the Government sanction the
filing of a revision for the expunction of the strictures or other remarks, the
Superintendent should promptly send to the Director General a copy of the
Government order and make available to the Advocate General all relevant records he
may require in that behalf for filing the revision.
7) If the Advocate General does not make a recommendation and the Government
consider that no action is called for, the opinion of the Advocate General and the
orders of the Government will indicate to what extent the strictures or other remarks
are justified.
been
properly
maintained
by
the
Commissioner/Inspector
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Chapter 10
Prosecution of Cases
Introduction
167. Investigation and prosecution are two important aspects of the criminal justice system.
Investigations are handled by police and the prosecution matters are handled by prosecutors.
Police, after conducting the investigation of a case, sends it to the court of law for trial. The
prosecutors of various categories assist the respective courts in the conduct of trials of the
cases. Every State Government, therefore, has to maintain a regular cadre of prosecutors. The
Head of the prosecution department is known as Director Prosecution and the department is
known as Directorate of Prosecution.
Organisational Set Up
168. The State Directorate is headed by the Director of Prosecutions. He is assisted in the
administration of the Department by Add, Joint and Deputy Directors. The Directorate
consists of Public Prosecutors including Additional Public Prosecutors, Senior Assistant
Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors.
Director of Prosecutions
169. The Director of prosecution is head of department of the prosecution wing. His powers,
functions and duties are following:
a) To exercise powers of supervision and control over the work of the Joint Directors,
Deputy Directors, Assistant Public Prosecutors, the Senior Assistant Public
Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors;
b) To give advice and instructions to the Senior Assistant public Prosecutors and
Assistant Public Prosecutors in the conduct of prosecutions, who shall abide by his
advice and instructions;
c) To review the work of the Deputy Directors, Public Prosecutors, Senior Assistant
Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors and send reports thereon to the
department of Law and Parliamentary Affairs through the Director General of Police;
d) To tender opinion and advice to the Director General of Police on any matter
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II. The Assistant Public Prosecutors are appointed in accordance with the
provisions of If section 25 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The
Assistant Public Prosecutors conduct prosecutions in the Magistrates' Courts. It
shall be the duty of the APPs to advise the Investigating Officers in case advice
is sought for.
III. It shall be their duty to properly examine the statements recorded by the
Investigating Officer and the charges suggested. If a lacuna is found in the
investigation, they must request the Investigating office to rectify the matter.
This should be done as far as possible through discussions. In case there is a
difference between the Investigating Officer and the Prosecutor, the matter
should be reported to the concerned Superintendent of Police who would take it
up with the Deputy Director.
IV. It shall be the duty of the Public Prosecutor to advise the Investigating Officer
during the investigation of a Sessions case when so requested by the
Investigating Officer and it shall be further his duty to scrutinize the charge
sheet in cases where the charges are exclusively triable by the Court of
Sessions. Prosecutors should take utmost care in properly presenting the case
137
before the Court after studying the case adequately and interviewing the
witnesses to be examined in the Court.
VI. The Prosecutor as well as the Investigating Officer should bear in mind the
relevant provisions regarding limitations for taking cognisance of certain
offences as laid down in Chapter 36 of the Criminal Procedure Code Section
467 to 473. Here, Section 468 Cr.P.C. specifies the period for taking cognisance
of an offence. Section 469 lays down as to when the period of limitation should
begin to run in relation to an offence. Section 470 prescribes rules regarding
exclusion of time while computing the period of limitation. Section 471
provides for the exclusion of the day when the Court is closed. Section 472 lays
down the period of limitation in cases of continuing offences. Section 473 lays
down as to when the period of limitation may be extended on a proper
explanation of the delayer in the interest of justice.
VII. With regard to charge-sheeting of a case, where any person is arrested and
detained in custody and the investigation can not be completed in 24 hours, the
provisions of Section 167 Cr.P.C. Sub-Section 2 should be kept in mind.
172. The Investigating Officer must consult the Prosecutors in the following cases:(a) Cases which are exclusively triable by the Court of Sessions;
(b) Cases under section 120-B IPC;
(c) Cases under section 121 to 130 IPC;
(d) Cases under section 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 242 to 250, 252, 253,254, 256 to 263 A
IPC.
(e) Cases under section 295-A, 296 and 297 IPC;
(f)
Cases under section 304-A, 330, 332, 353, 363, 365 IPC;
(g) Cases under section 393, 394, 406 to 409, 419 and 420 IPC.
(h) Cases under section 465 to 468, 471 to 477 and 477-A IPC.
(i) When a case and counter case are registered and a decision has to be taken, whether both
the cases have to be charge-sheeted or only one of them;
(j) Cases involving complicated questions of law / fact;
(k) Cases under the E.C.Act 1955;
(l) Any other case where the IO/SDPO/DCP/SP desire that the Prosecutor should be
consulted;
(m) Any case where the Prosecutor/Director/Deputy Director of Prosecutors considers that
such consultation is necessary.
172.1 In respect of the cases referred to above, while sending the charge-sheets to the APPs
the Investigating Officer should give sufficient time to the Prosecutor to scrutinize the
charge-sheets. Along with the charge-sheet, the Investigating Officer should send the case
diary file to the PP/APP to enable him to study the papers for scrutinizing the charge-sheet. If
there is a difference of opinion between the Investigating Officer and the Prosecutor on any
matter pertaining to investigation or prosecution, such matters should be referred to the
Superintendent of Police, who shall take it up with the Deputy Director for further advice.
date of trial before the court under intimation to the public prosecutor and send the case diary
file to him in advance. The Investigating Officer should assist the Public Prosecutor at least
two days in advance of the commencement of the Sessions trial in ascertaining from the
witnesses what they would be stating in Court, and what exhibits have to be marked through
them. The Investigating Officer should give all facilities to the Public Prosecutor to visit the
scene of occurrence. The Investigating Officer should also make enquiries and furnish
relevant material to the Public Prosecutor for the cross examination of defence witnesses.
(b) In other cases: The Investigating Officer should give all facilities to the APP to visit the
scenes of occurrences in important cases and give him necessary instructions for conducting
the prosecutions. During the course of trial, for the purpose of conducting prosecution in the
case, if the Prosecutor requires the case diary file for his study and reference, the
Investigating Officer should send the case diary file in advance, to the APP and also give him
personal instructions, if necessary. The Investigating Officer should personally attend the
Court on all dates of hearing, particularly in contested cases, unless he is held up on any
other urgent duty, in which case, one of the ASIs/HCs should be sent to the court with the
case diary in time to meet the Sr.APP/APP. The Investigating Officer should assist the APP
in ascertaining from the witnesses what they would be stating in court, instructing him which
documents are to be marked as prosecution exhibits and what items of property should be
exhibited and ensure that the prosecution is presented in the best possible manner. The
Investigating Officer should also make enquiries and furnish materials to the Sr.APP/APP for
the cross-examination of defence witnesses. In regard to the execution of processes and
production of witnesses or documents in connection with any enquiry or trial, it shall be the
duty of all the concerned police officers to render every assistance to the prosecuting agency.
The handling of witnesses in court calls for a technique different from that
employed in the interrogation of persons during an investigation. The Prosecutor
aims at establishing the guilt of the person known to be the culprit as a result of
the investigation.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
The Prosecutor must not produce in court more witnesses than are actually
essential to prove his case. No particular number of witnesses is required for the
proof of any fact (Section 134 of the Evidence Act). It is the quality and not the
quantity that matters.
VI.
After a prosecution witness has entered the box, the very first thing that the
141
Prosecutor should do is to put him at ease. It must be realised that few persons
will be free from flurry when figuring as a witness in court. It is, therefore
essential that the Prosecutor should create confidence in his witness by his
demeanour, by the form in which he frames his questions and by the manner in
which he asks them. His tone should be modulated and reassuring. The witness
should, as a rule, be permitted to tell his own story, but the Prosecutor should
make sure that all important facts are clearly brought out. He should avoid
technical terms as well as difficult and high-sounding words.
VII.
according
to
their
nature. An
overzealous, garrulous witness, for example, should never be allowed to tell his
own story, for by so doing, he is likely to expose himself to severe crossexamination. The effort should be to keep such a witness well to the point and
compel him merely to answer the questions that are put to him. A stupid or timid
witness will require great patience and good humour. Any display of anger will
only add to his confusion.
VIII.
IX.
Hostile witness : When a witness shows himself to be opposed to the side which
has called him or adopts an attitude contrary to the truth, the court may, in its
discretion, permit the side to treat him as a hostile witness and cross-examine him
(Section 154 of the Evidence Act). But this permission will not be lightly given.
The general attitude of the witness and his demeanor, and the trend of his
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evidence as a whole must indicate his hostility to his side or desire to conceal the
truth. If the court gives the permission, the side that called him may crossexamine him and may put him questions to contradict him and impeach his credit.
Section 154 of the Evidence Act does not in terms or by necessary implication,
confines the exercise of the power of the court before the examination-in-chief is
concluded or to any particular stage of the examination of the witness, but is wide
in scope. The discretion is entirely left to the court to exercise the power, when
circumstances demand. A witness who has deposed favourably or not
unfavourably to the case of the party calling him, may in the course of his crossexamination, show marked predilection to give answers sought or expected by the
interrogator or otherwise disclose a hostile animus against the party calling him.
A clever witness may in his examination-in-chief conform to what he has stated
earlier to the police or in the committing court but in cross-examination introduce
statements in a subtle way contradicting in effect what he has stated in
examination-in-chief. The court can permit the prosecution to cross-examine such
witnesses under Section 154 of the Evidence Act at any stage of their
examination, as Section 137 of the Evidence Act, which lays down the sequence
of examination-in-chief, cross examination and re-examination, has no relevance
to the question as to when a party calling a witness can be permitted to put to him
questions under Section 154 of the
X.
143
XI.
If the Prosecutor finds that any of his witnesses has been made to give any
misleading statement or that any point has been purposely left obscure, he should
clear it in re-examination. After the examination of his witnesses is over, the
Prosecutor has to prepare himself for the cross-examination of defence witness to
destroy the effect of the evidence tendered on behalf of the opposite side in
examination-in-chief. This may be achieved by discrediting the witness himself or
his testimony. Leading questions are permissible in cross-examination.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
The credit of a witness may be impeached:(a) by the evidence of persons who testify that they, from their knowledge of the
witness, believe him to be unworthy of credit;
(b) by proof that the witness has been bribed, has accepted the offer of a bribe or
has received any other corrupt inducement to give his evidence;
(c) by proof his former statements which are inconsistent with his present
144
evidence; and
(d) by showing, when a man is prosecuted for rape or an attempt to ravish, that
the prosecutrix was of generally immoral character.
XV.
XVI.
A skilful cross-examiner seldom takes his eyes from an important witness, while
he is being examined by his adversary. His bearing, his manner of expressing
himself, his movement of hands, all help any intelligent and experienced observer
to arrive at an accurate estimate of his integrity. During the examination-in-chief
of a defence witness, the prosecutor should always be on the alert for an opening
for his cross-examination and should try to detect the weak spots in his narrative.
XVII.
Bullying or threatening the witness seldom pays. It will often make the witness
mentally defy the cross-examiner at once. If, on the other hand, the prosecutor's
manner is courteous and conciliatory, the witness will soon lose the fear all
witnesses have of the cross-examiner and can almost imperceptibly be induced
into revealing true facts. The mistakes of a witness should be drawn out more
often by inference than by direct questioning, because all witnesses have a dread
of self-contradiction. The loquacious witness should be allowed to talk on and he
will be sure to involve himself in difficulties. He should be encouraged and led by
degrees into exaggeration that will conflict with common sense. The downright
liar should be encouraged to exaggerate the way he thinks the Prosecutor does not
want to him. He will soon be found stretching his imagination to such an extent,
that nobody will believe a word of what he says.
XVIII.
If the manner of the witness and the wording of his testimony bear the marks of
fabrication, it is often useful to ask him to repeat his story. He will usually repeat
it in almost identically the same words as before, showing that he has learnt it by
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heart. Of course, it is possible, though not probable, that he has done this and is
still telling the truth. An examiner should then test him by taking him in the
middle of his story and jumping him quickly to the beginning and then to the end
of it. If he is speaking by rote, he will be sure to succumb to this method.
XIX.
If the Prosecutor obtains any favourable answer from a witness, he should leave it
there and pass quickly to some other question. The inexperienced examiner who
repeats the questions, with the idea of impressing the answer upon his hearers,
will have to blame himself if the witness corrects or modifies his answer.
On every date of hearing, the Investigating Officer should attend the court with
the case diary files and assist the PP/APP/Senior APP in the conduct of the cases
by giving him necessary instructions. If the Investigating Officer is not able to
attend the court in the cases on any date of hearing, he should instruct his assistant
(ASI or HC, as the case may be) to attend the court with the C.D. files, contact the
P.P. and give necessary instructions.
II.
Where a case is adjourned for more than six hearings, an extra copy of the court
C.D. should be made for the seventh and subsequent adjournments and sent to the
SP/DCP concerned.
examine such cases and take all necessary action for speedy disposal of the cases.
III.
IV.
Register should be written up as and when the list in Form, is received. It is the
responsibility of the Superintendent of Police to ensure that the Investigating
Officers attend the Courts on the dates of hearing.
V.
If there are several cases in which a police officer has to give evidence either as
Investigating Officer or as witness, he should, in consultation with the APP so
arrange the posting of cases that he is not summoned to court too frequently.
During the monthly conference, the Unit Officers should ascertain from the SHOs
the particulars of the cases in which the Investigating Officers have not appeared
before the court, and pursue the matter to ensure their appearance before the
court.
VI.
In the case of Investigating Officers who have been transferred out of the district,
the Superintendent of Police should arrange with his counterpart for prompt
attendance. The watch register should be kept up-to-date by making relevant
entries. It should be referred to often, to ensure that Investigating Officers who
stand transferred, attend the courts promptly on dates of hearing and have the
cases disposed of by the courts as early as possible, so that within a reasonable
time the Investigating Officers are relieved of their court duty arising out of work
in their previous place of posting. If any Investigating Officer is absent before the
court for two consecutive dates of hearing, the Superintendent of Police should
write to the Range Inspector General, who in turn should ensure that the particular
Investigating Officer attends the court.
Enhancement of Punishment
177. In every case in which an accused person previously convicted of an offence punishable
under Chapter XII or Chapter XVII of the Indian Penal Code with imprisonment of either
description for a term of three years or upwards, is prosecuted for an offence punishable
under either of the two chapters with life imprisonment, the Prosecuting Officer concerned
should, having regard to(a) the nature and adequacy of evidence to prove in the Court of Sessions the offences
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(1) When a witness in a criminal case turns hostile to the prosecution the concerned
Assistant Public Prosecutions should, in the course of the cross-examination, lay a proper
foundation for the prosecution of the witnesses for perjury, strictly complying with the
provisions of Section 145 of the Indian Evidence Act.
(2) On the conclusion of the trial, the Assistant Public Prosecutor, while addressing his
argument on the merits of the case, should also emphasise on the necessity of prosecuting the
witness for perjury.
(3) If the court, at the time of delivery of the judgment or final order, does not record a
finding that in its opinion the witness has intentionally given false evidence and that for the
eradication of the evils of perjury and in the interests of justice, his prosecution for perjury is
necessary and does not proceed under the provisions of Section 340 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, the prosecuting officer should carefully examine the judgment on the same day on
which it is pronounced.
(4) After examination of the judgment as aforesaid if the Prosecutor finds that judgment does
not contain any finding under Section 340, he should immediately after the judgment and in
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consultation with his superintendent, present to the court, an application under Section 340 of
the Code of Criminal Procedure for taking action as provided therein and for instituting a
complaint for perjury in a competent Court of Law.
(5) If, after such application, the court refuses to take action and make a complaint as
provided in Section 340 of the Code, a copy of the court order should immediately be
obtained and the feasibility of appealing against it should be examined. In appropriate cases,
appeals when justified should be preferred under Section 340 of the Code.
Abscondence of Accused
179. An absconder is one who intentionally makes himself inaccessible to the process of law
and it is not enough if it is shown that it was not possible to trace him soon after occurrence.
It should be established that he was available at or about the time of the commission of the
alleged offence and ceased to be available thereafter. For this purpose, the prosecuting officer
conducting the case, should elicit through the Investigating Officer and also the Police
Officers deputed to trace and arrest the absconder, evidence on the following points after
citing them as prosecution witnesses, in addition to any other points on which evidence is
necessary to prove such abscondence :-
(1) The residence and place where the absconder was living before the commission of the
offence.
(2) The place and places he was ordinarily visiting before the commission of the I
offence;
(3) His daily occupation and the place or places of his occupation.
(4) The names and addresses of his friends/relatives he was ordinarily frequenting, etc.,
before the commission of the offence.
(5) Any other matters relevant, which became known during the course of investigation.
(6) The order Number and date issued to them under Section 55 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, directing them to trace and arrest the absconder.
the court without examination or sending them back without their evidence being recorded
should be resisted. The prosecutor should take steps to promptly bring to the notice of the
court the presence of the Medical Officers and request that the cases in which they have
appeared may be taken up first so that they may be examined as soon as possible and enabled
to return to their duties. The prosecutor should move the court for priority in that behalf. If,
however, it is not possible to record their evidence on the days on which they are summoned
to appear, they should be informed of it sufficiently early so that they may return to their
duties in the hospitals immediately. A Medical Officer should not be made to appear in court
more than once in the same case unless absolutely necessary and every step should be taken
to see that on the day he appears, his evidence is completed and he is relieved of his duty in
that case.
Summoning of Experts
181. Only the experts cited in the charge sheet should be summoned to give evidence, the
prosecutor should move the court well in time for the issue of process to the experts giving
them sufficient time to adjust their programmes to attend the court on the dates fixed for their
evidence. Teleprinter messages should not be sent at the last minute to get the expert
witnesses to the court.
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(iii) The Prosecutor will have to prepare his arguments on the lines indicated above and
present them in the best manner possible.
(2) "The court, if it sees fit, may inspect the document, unless it refers to matters of State, or
take other evidence to enable it to determine its admissibility.
(3) If, for such a purpose, it is necessary to cause any document to be translated, the court
may, if it thinks fit, direct the translator to keep the contents secret, unless the document is to
be given in evidence; and if the translator disobeys such direction, he shall be held to have
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(4) The mere fact that the officer at the head of the department concerned does not wish the
documents to be produced is not an adequate justification for taking objection to their
production. Production of documents should be withheld only when the public interest
would, by their disclosure be injured, or where disclosure would be injurious to national
defence or to good diplomatic relations or where the practice of keeping a class of documents
secret is necessary for the proper functioning of the public service. Privilege is not to be
claimed on the mere ground that the documents are State documents or are official or marked
confidential or that their disclosure would result in parliamentary discussion or public
criticism or would expose inefficiency in the administration or tend to lay a particular
department of the Government open to a claim for compensation.
(5) It has been held that it is desirable, but not indispensable, that the records should be sent
in a sealed cover through an officer of the department claiming privilege and that the
statement of the head of the department would be considered conclusive and the privilege
upheld, except for compelling reasons to the contrary. So, the safe working principle under
Section 123Cr.P.C. is to produce the records in question in a sealed cover and raise the claim
of privilege, setting out the grounds in an affidavit. The court will generally accept the
statements in the affidavit and uphold the privilege claimed.
(6) A Government Servant other than the head of a department, who is summoned to
produce an official document, should first determine whether the document is in his custody
and he is in a position to produce it. In this connection, it may be stated that all official
records are normally in the custody of the head of the department and it is only under special
circumstances that an official document can be said to be in the custody of an individual
Government Servant. If the document is not in the custody of the Government Servant
summoned, he should inform the court accordingly. If, under any special circumstances, the
document is in the custody of the Government Servant summoned, he should next determine
whether the document is an unpublished official record relating to affairs of State and
whether privilege under Section 123 should be claimed in respect of it. If he is of the view
that such privilege should be claimed or even if he is doubtful of the position, he should refer
the matter to the head of the department who will issue necessary instructions and will also
furnish the affidavit. The Government servant, who is to attend a court as a witness with
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official documents should, where permission under Section 123 has been withheld, be given
an affidavit duly signed by the head of the department. He should produce it when he is
called upon to give his evidence derived therefore. He should, however, take with him in a
sealed cover the paper, which he has been summoned to produce.
(8) The basic principle for deciding whether a particular document is a communication made
in official confidence to a public officer or not, is whether the document produced or the
statement made was under the process of law or not. If the former is the case, it would be
difficult to say that a document produced or statement made under the process of law is a
communication made in official confidence. If on the other hand, a document is produced or
a statement is made in a confidential departmental enquiry not under the process of law but
for the gathering of information by the department for guiding them in the future action, if
any, they have to take, it would be a case of communication made in official confidence. The
question whether a communication was made in official confidence is for the court to decide
but the public officer concerned is the sole judge whether it should or should not be
disclosed.
(9) The head of the department should abstain from entering into correspondence with the
presiding officer of the court concerned in regard to the grounds on which the documents
have been called for. He should obey the court's orders and should appear personally or
arrange for the appearance of another officer in the court concerned with the documents and
act in accordance with these orders. In case of doubt, the head of the department should
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II.
III.
In every case ending in acquittal or where there is a conviction only for a minor
offence, the accused having been acquitted of more serious offences in the court
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of any Magistrate, the Senior APP or the APP in charge of the said case should,
within 15 days from the date of the judgment, obtain and submit a certified copy
of the judgment along with his report indicating the reasons for filing or not filing
an appeal to the Director of Prosecutions. He should endorse a copy of his report
to the concerned DCP/Superintendent. If the Director of Prosecutions decides that
an appeal should be preferred, he should obtain the complete record of the case
together with a Memorandum of grounds of appeal within two weeks from the
date of receipt of the copy of the judgment.
III The Director of Prosecutions shall forward the relevant papers and the certified
copy of the judgment along with his recommendation, to the State Government in
the Department of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, The said department after
obtaining (he orders of the Government for filing an appeal, shall communicate
the order to the State Public Prosecutor with copies to the Director of
Prosecutions the Director General of Police and the concerned Superintendent of
Police. It will thereupon be the responsibility of the Director of Prosecutions to
supply to the State Public Prosecutor the necessary papers and other information
to facilitate the filing of an appeal within the prescribed period of limitation.
IV The procedure prescribed above for filing of appeals shall also apply to a proposal
for filing any revision petition subject to the modification that the time allowed at
each stage to forward the records is reduced to about half the time prescribed
above. However, in the light of modified procedure prescribed by the
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Government, every proposal for appeal etc., should be examined by the Deputy
Director concerned in consultation with the Inspector General of the Range and
forwarded to the Director who shall, after consulting the Director General of
Police, forward the final proposal to the Department of Law and Parliamentary
Affairs.
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Chapter 11
190.1 Law empowers the Police and the Executive Magistracy to prevent offences, breach of
peace, and maintain public order. These powers inter alia include preventive arrests, security
proceedings, removal of public nuisances, prohibitory orders and also deal with disputes that
threaten peace. The powers are meant to provide a sense of safety, security and confidence in
all sections of society. Prevention is as important as punitive action.
such force as may be necessary and also effect arrest. The powers conferred on the Police
under this provision are both preventive and punitive.
(ii) Prevention of cognizable offences: Every police officer should take steps to prevent
cognizable offences and for this purpose, he is empowered to arrest any person as a
preventive measure (151 CrPC) but a person who is arrested shall not be in custody for more
than 24 hours unless a specific offence is made out in the meanwhile. Likewise, Section 41
CrPC empowers a police officer to arrest any person without warrant in certain cases.
(iii) Preventive Action by Seizure: As per section 95 CrPC, a police officer is empowered
to seize any news paper, book or document, the publication of which is prohibited by a
notification of the government on the ground that such publication is punishable under
section 124A, or 153A, or 292, or 293, or 295A of IPC.
(iv) Urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger: According to Section 144 of CrPC
a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Magistrate especially
empowered by the State Government may, where immediate prevention and speedy remedy
is desirable, by an order in writing direct any person to abstain from certain act or to take
certain order with respect to property in his possession or management. The ground for
making such an order is that it is likely to prevent obstruction, annoyance or injury to any
person lawfully employed or danger to human life, health or safety or a disturbance of public
tranquility or a riot or an affray. The order can be either prohibitory or mandatory. The orders
issued under the section are to remain in force for not more than two months and with State
Government notification for another six months. The order can be issued ex-parte and can be
directed against a person or persons residing in a locality or public generally when visiting
frequently a particular area. The order under this section is an executive order. 'Curfew'
orders are issued under this section only.
(v) Breach of peace on account of disputes over immovable property: Section 145 applies
when there is a genuine dispute between two parties relating to immovable property and there
is an imminent threat to peace. The main feature of Section 145 CrPC is that there is a
bonafide dispute regarding land or water or boundaries and there is likelihood of breach of
peace. The Executive Magistrate may pass an order directing the parties to appear and after
having heard them and perusing the respective records pass final orders. Section 146 contains
power of attachment and to appoint a receiver under certain circumstances. Section 147
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relates to disputes that cause breach of peace relating to sea, land or water. Police must
initiate action under this section when there is genuine dispute between the parties with equal
claims and threat to peace is imminent.
(vi) Security for Good Behaviour and Keeping the Peace: Section 106 of the CrPC
provides that the Court of Session or Court of a Magistrate of first class may, at the time of
passing sentence on a person convicted of certain specified offences or abetting any such
offences as laid down under that section, order him to execute a bond for keeping the peace
for any period not exceeding three years. If the conviction is set-aside on appeal or otherwise,
the bond executed shall become void. An order under this section may also be made by an
Appellate Court or by a Court, which exercises powers of revision. In appropriate cases the
SHO with the help of a prosecutor should file a memo in the court immediately after
pronouncing the judgment and before passing the sentence mentioning the reasons for taking
security. If satisfied the court may take security up to 3 years commencing from the date of
release from imprisonment.
(vii) Security for breach of peace: Preventive action can be taken U/s 107 Cr.P.C. by an
Executive Magistrate, if he has information through police or otherwise that any person is
likely to commit breach of peace or disturb the public tranquility or to do any wrongful act
that may probably occasion a breach of peace or disturb the public tranquility and is of the
opinion that there is sufficient ground for proceeding. He may require such person to show
cause why he should not be ordered to execute a bond for keeping the peace for such period,
not exceeding 1 year. The Magistrate can take action whether such person(s) is residing in his
jurisdiction or committing breach in his jurisdiction residing elsewhere. Section 107 is an
effective means for preventing breaches or disturbances of public tranquility in connection
with religious processions, communal tensions, festivals, fairs, elections, caste conflicts,
political movements or other disputes between factions. It is not essential in every case that
there should be two parties fighting against each other. It must however, be clear that a
breach of the peace is imminent, unless averted by proceedings under the section.
Before launching proceedings the police shall gather evidence, oral and documentary, of
persons (including police officers) acquainted with the circumstances of the case regarding
the specific occasion on which the breach of the peace is anticipated, the existence of a cause,
quarrel or other circumstance which is likely to lead to the breach and the period of its
duration, the declaration of the parties indicating their determination to carry out, or to
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prevent, certain things in connection with the subject matter of quarrel, the strength and
following of the party or parties, and attempts made for conciliation, with their results.
Arrests cannot be made u/s 107 CrPC. Only a Magistrate can issue a warrant u/s 113 CrPC if
breach of peace cannot be otherwise prevented. Where the Police Officer feels that arrest is
necessary he should report the circumstances to the Magistrate and obtain a warrant for
arrest. However arrests may be made in urgent cases under section 151 CrPC, in the
circumstances provided therein. Section 108 of CrPC is intended to demand security bonds
for keeping good behaviour for a period not exceeding one year from persons who commit or
about to commit offences under sections 124-A, 153-A, 153-B, or 295-A of IPC or criminal
intimidation or defamation of a judge or an offence under section 292 IPC. The main test is
whether the person has been disseminating the offending matter and whether there is any
apprehension of the offence being repeated.
(viii) Section 109 CrPC: This section applies to such class of persons who are found taking
precautions to conceal their presence with a view to committing cognizable offences. Both
ingredients of concealment and with a view to committing cognizable offence should be
present, before a person can be proceeded against u/s 109 CrPC. The object of the section is
to frustrate the criminal designs before they are carried out. It provision is purely preventive
and not punitive. The security bond for good behaviour can be taken under the section for a
period not exceeding one year. Concealment of presence is different from concealment of
identity. The police officer must also be able to distinguish between a guilty person and a
timid person.
(ix) Section 110 of the CrPC: The object of this section is preventive, and not punitive. The
action is not intended as a punishment for past offences. It is aimed at protecting society from
habitual offenders, desperate, dangerous characters and anti-social elements against the
perpetration of crimes. It is intended to curb the dangerous activities of hardened criminals
and secure the interests of community from injury at their hands.
(x) Preventive provisions in special and local Acts: In addition to the preventive measures
describe in the CRPC, various special and local Acts also provide for situations and
circumstances in which the police officer should initiate preventive action. The police officer
should be well-versed with these provisions for exercising and initiating effective, preventive
action as per the intention of the legislature and demands of each case.
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(xi) Removal of Public Nuisances: Section 133 CrPC empowers Executive Magistrate to
deal with public nuisances either on receipt of report of a Police Officer or other information.
The public nuisances that can be redressed and unlawful obstructions that can be removed
from any public place could be the following:
Obstructions or nuisance to any public place, or way or channel lawfully used by the
public.
The conduct of any trade or occupation or the keeping of any goods or merchandise
injurious to the health or physical comfort of the community, including blaring of
loudspeakers beyond the prescribed decibels of noise and prescribed time.
A building tent or structure or a tree as is likely to fall and cause injury to persons.
The duties of police in this regard are to inform the concerned Execute Magistrate promptly,
all the matters falling in the purview of section 133 CrPC, on the lines as indicated below.
The local Police, beat and patrol men are responsible for reporting such instances
without any loss of time.
If they come across such nuisances, the details should be collected including
photographs or sketch of the place and submitted to the SHO.
Private litigation or private interest should not be the basis for action by the Police.
It is not necessary that there should be danger or inconvenience already existing to the
public at large, but it is sufficient if there is likelihood of such a thing, being, caused.
The term public nuisance is defined in section 268 of 1PC, which can be adopted for
the purpose of this section. Section 12 of IPC states that the term public includes a
class or community residing in a particular area but that class must be numerically
sufficient to be designated as such.
Untreated pollutants, dumping of solid wastes, letting out chemical substances, gases,
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vapour or this section besides specific provisions of law attracts dust, husk etc. The
concerned agencies also have powers and responsibility. There should be mutual
liaison between police and concerned departments and agencies.
Out of the two principal police functions, that is, prevention and detection of
crime, the prevention work must take precedence over detection. Intimate
knowledge of the conditions prevailing in the police station jurisdiction and of
the movements and activities of criminals are conditions precedent for
successful execution of preventive role of police. To gain such knowledge, an
efficient beat system is a primary necessity.
ii.
Village
authorities
are
crime
and
Provide day and night patrols to keep order, prevent crime, intercede when necessary;
The beats should be organised taking into consideration the crime, the
vigilance required, factions prevailing, clandestine activities being organised
in the area etc. The frequency of visits and period of stay depends upon the
sensitive or hypersensitive nature of the area. The classification keeps
changing from time to time. The villages can be classified as sensitive or
hypersensitive according to the existing crime and law and order situations
and the past history of the concern village.
II.
All
III.
sheets are maintained and require surveillance, villages in which there have
been in the immediate past frequent incidents or outbreaks of crime, either
against persons or property, villages in which there are acute factions due to
group rivalries, political, communal or caste or other tensions, and villages in
which organised criminal or drug related activity or manufacture. Likewise
the villages in which trafficking in firearms and movements of explosives
exists or where there is possibilities of shelter being given to the terrorists and
other organised criminals exist, should also be given special attention by the
beat officers such villages.
IV.
V.
The beats in an outpost or police station jurisdiction should not be more than 3
or 6 respectively, and not more than 8 in both put together. Each beat should
cover approximately 1000 households or 7,500 populations. If a police station
area has 40,000 or more population there should normally be six beats, with
each beat covering a population of 6000 - 10000 depending on factors
mentioned above. Such other factors as most convenient, accessibility, road,
rail, network, communication facilities and the number of sensitive or
hypersensitive localities, villages should also be considered. Sensitive and
hypersensitive villages should be distributed in all beats and not grouped into
one or two. A beat book will be maintained for each general beat. The crime
chart should show the areas covered by and the serial number of each beat.
VI.
VII.
Two police officers i.e., either two police Constables or one Constable and
one Head Constable should be allotted to each beat. They are responsible to
visit and patrol sensitive village. The hyper-sensitive villages should be more
frequently visited. It is not necessary that all villages in a beat should be
covered every time the constables go to that beat. They should cover the
villages in the beats at least once a week not only in the day time but also at
nights. They shall proceed on beat duty at least 4 times in a month, each visit
being spread over at least two days and one night. The SHO should ensure
that they are not allotted any other duty in the PS when the Constables/HCs in
charge of a beat proceed on beat duty once a week. The SHO may, however,
earmark any two days or more if necessary to the Constables in charge of the
beat to proceed to their respective beat areas to discharge their responsibilities
and duties enumerated herein. The SHO should obtain prior permission for
any deviation from this from Inspector/SDPO. The Inspector shall surprise at
least one beat in a PS in a month in addition to regular inspections.
VIII.
Visiting villages and staying there is essential for efficient policing in a beat
area. The smaller villages attached to larger village, should also be treated as a
separate village for the purpose of village visiting or patrols either by day or
night. All those areas constituted into Municipalities may be called Towns.
Major Municipalities and Municipal Corporations should be identified as
cities.
IX.
The duration of the visit by the Constables and Head Constables during the
beat in a village depends upon the purpose. Visits should include all hamlets
and settlements or colonies. The SHO should visit villages as prescribed. The
beat area constables and HC before leaving the PS for duty on their beats
should make relevant entries as to the purpose and duration in the General
Diary. The instructions regarding village visiting, maintenance of village
roster by SHO and others contained in this Chapter and elsewhere should be
read as part of this Order. Visits include patrol by day or night, besides other
duties, should be for a specific purpose. They should neither be hurried nor167
unduly prolonged. All visits and work accomplished should be reflected in the
relevant records.
Enquire the movements/both good and bad activities of all ex-convicts and history
sheeted persons specially with reference to their lavish expenditure or of other
persons connected with them beyond their normal means;
Find out the existence of any receivers of stolen property, contacts by bad characters
or strangers with them;
Identify liquor shops, illicit sources of liquor, vice dens, gambling houses, drug
peddlars, unlicensed weapons.
To notice and ascertain any fresh settlers in the village or visitors and the places from
where they have arrived and their friends and relatives in the village with whom they
are staying or providing support to them.
195. The Station House Officer should decide the intervals at which he should send men on
the different beats in his jurisdiction according to the importance of the beats. Constables
should be deputed to beats as often as possible, visits to more important beats being more
frequent than to others. It is not necessary that all villages in a beat should be covered every
time a constable is sent to that beat. This is a matter entirely within the discretion of the
Station House Officer.
Every constable in the station should be fully acquainted with every beat and he
should know about suspicious characters and undetected crimes of each beat.
Whenever a constable is sent out on duty either on beat duty or any other duty, the
Station House Officer should give specific instructions to the constable regarding
such matters as the nature of the work he has to perform, the manner in which it
should be performed and the time by which he should return to the Police Station.
ii.
Constables going on beat duty will proceed to the beat direct from the Police Station.
Likewise, on return they should report at the Police Station before going home. The
departure of a constable on beat duty and the instructions given to him by the Station
House Officer should be entered in the Station House Diary as well as in the Beat
Book. Beats should be served not only in the daytime but also at nights.
iii.
Beat constables should be instructed to visit Railway Stations and Bus Stands in their
beat and ascertain from the Platform Constables or Bus Stand Duty Constables or
from others any information regarding the arrival or departure of suspicious
foreigners and bad characters and obtain the signature of the Platform Constable or
Bus Stand Duty Constable or Bus Stand Duty Constable, where one is posted, in their
Beat Books.
iv.
It is incumbent upon the police to ensure the safety of the road and strict attention
must, therefore, be paid to road patrolling. Unduly severe work should not be
demanded from night petrol men. They should be sent out with definite orders which
may be varied, as circumstances permit. It should always be possible to arrange for a
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patrol to take some rest at a named place If possible, two constables should patrol
together. To secure the due performance of road patrolling, constant checking is
absolutely essential, and superior officers must see that a sub- ordinate officer, from
Inspector downwards, perform their fair share of this duty.
v.
On the National Highway, the State Highways and other important roads on which
the cases of Highway Robberies and Dacoitie are reported, arrangements have to be
made for the movements of vehicles in a convoy with mobile armed escorts. Where
mobile escort cannot be provided to the convoy of vehicles, armed men have be
provided to the first and the lost vehicle of the convoy.
Beat Books
197. Every beat including a miscellaneous beat should have a Beat Book. Constables going
on a beat should take the Beat Book along with them and note in them, under appropriate
columns, the information they gather. The signatures of at least two persons whose sample
signatures are maintained in the station in the Sample Signature Book should be obtained by
the constables in the appropriate column. Such signatures should be obtained in all the
villages including ' Route' villages through which the beat constables pass. If the signature of
any of the persons could not be obtained the reasons therefore should be mentioned in the
column. The Beat Book should be carried by the constable while on beat duty. Like beat
books, Point Books should be supplied to the village officers or selected respectable
inhabitants of the respective village for ensuring cross checking of the visit made by the beat
constable. Likewise, check register of bad characters, duty roster, village rosters etc. should
be maintained by each police station with regard to effective and efficient performance of
beat duties.
When a constable returns from beat duty, he should report to the Station House
Officer. An entry should be made about the time of return of the constable from beat
duty in the Station House Diary. The Station House Officer should check the
signatures in the Sample Signature Book in the Station.
ii.
The Station House Officers should carefully seek report from the constables on their
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return from beat to elicit any information they have obtained. Constables should be
sent out with specific orders and questioned as to the performance of their duty on
their return to the Police Station. This duty is not to be delegated to the subordinate
officers Station House Officers should deal with it themselves.
iii.
The information brought by the constable should be studied and appropriate action
taken. For example, if a bad character is reported to be absent from his village and the
place to which he has gone is known an Enquiry Roll Form 'A' will be issued
immediately to the Station House Officer to whose jurisdiction the bad character is
reported to have gone. If the place to which the bad character is reported to have gone
is within the jurisdiction of the same Police Station, a Constable or a head Constable
will be sent out to the place to ascertain the movements and activities of the bad
character. It must also be seen whether the absence of the bad character has
synchronised with the occurrence of any crime in the limits of the station or
neighbouring stations.
Checking of Beats
199. The Station House Officer/Police Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspector and Head
Constables should check the constables on beat duty by surprise. The Circle Inspector who is
the Station House Officer, Police Sub-Inspectors or Head Constable should visit selected
villages with the Beat Books and compare the dates and hours of the entries in the Beat
Books with those in the Point Books, Such verification should be made even when the
Station House Officer or a Head Constable goes to a village on any other work, such as
petition enquiry or investigation. If Beat Books are not available the checking officer will
note down the particulars in his note book and compare them with the Beat Book on his
return to the station. The Circle Inspector and the Station House Officer should also make
enquiries with the villagers other than Point Book holders about the beat constable's presence
on the days noted in the Beat Book. The Station House Officer should be able to check all the
beats in the limits at least once a month. The Police Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspectors
and Head Constables should do so more often. The Police Inspector/Police Sub-Inspector in
charge of the Police Station should ensure that he visits every village in his jurisdiction at
least once a quarter.
200. Officers of and above the rank of Circle Inspector visiting or inspecting a station should
not only see whether beat villages have been properly selected but also ensure that beats are
being regularly served and checked. The fact of having done so should be embodied in the
inspection notes together with the instructions, if any, given to the Station House Officer.
ii.
Police records perform the role of broad database and on the basis of information
available in this database police officers can devise methods and plan out for keeping
check and control on the movements and activities of the criminals, and at the same
time can also keep a track on the emerging law and order situations. The information
available in the police record would help the police officers in making preventive
arrests and evolving other strategies for prevention of crimes and law and order
situations.
iii.
(D) Surveillance
Surveillance is a vital part of preventive action by police. It deters the designs of a person
intending to commit offences. The nature and degree of surveillance depends on the
circumstances and persons on whom surveillance is mounted. It is only in very rare cases and
on rare occasions that round the clock surveillance becomes necessary for a few days or
weeks. It is necessary that those who deserve to be kept under close surveillance receive
maximum attention.
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The beat Police Officers should be fully conversant with the movements or
changes of residence of all persons for whom history sheets of any category are
maintained. They shall promptly report the exact information to the SHO, who
will make entries in the relevant registers. The SHO on this basis of information
should report by the quickest means to the SHO in whose jurisdiction the
concerned person/persons are going to reside or pass through. The SHO who
receives the first communication should acknowledge the communication and
inform the concerned beat Police Officers of the area. If the subject is moving out
to another area he should initiate the same procedure of intimating the concerned
SHO. The receiving officer shall acknowledge the first and second
communications. When replies are received the SHO shall make necessary entries
in the history sheet and records. When a history-sheeted person is likely to travel
by the Railway, intimation of his movements should also be given to the nearest
Railway Police Station.
II.
III.
IV.
Bad characters going out of view: When a BC absents himself or goes out of
view, whether wanted in a case or not, the information should be disseminated to
the police stations having jurisdiction over the places likely to be visited by him
173
and also to the neighbouring stations, whether within this State or outside. If he is
traced and intimation is received of his arrest or otherwise arrangements to get a
complete and true picture of his activities should be made and the concerned
record updated.
V.
VI.
Release of Foreign Prisoners: Before a foreign prisoner whose finger prints are
taken for record is released the SP of the district where the case is registered
should send a report to the Director, I.B. through CID informing the route and
conveyance by which he is likely to leave this country.
VII.
Shadowing of convicts and dangerous persons: The following are the rules for
shadowing the convicts on their release from jails.
(a) Dangerous convicts who are not likely to return to their native places should
be shadowed. The fact, when a convict is to be shadowed shall be entered in
the DCRB in the FP register and communicated to the Superintendent of Jail.
(b) The Police Officer deputed for shadowing an ex-convict shall enter the fact in
the notebook. The Police Officers shall be furnished with a challan indicating
the particulars of the ex-convict marked for shadowing. This form shall be
return by the SHO of the area where the ex-convict takes up his residence or
passes out of view to the DCRB / OCRS where the jail is situated, where it
shall be on record for further reference and action if any. The subjects being
shadowed should be kept in view, but on no account should any restraint be
put upon their movements.
VIII.
Provisions of 356 CrPC: The following instructions are issued with regard to ex174
convicts ordered to notify residence under sub-section (5) of section 356 of CrPC.
Each Station House Officer is responsible for maintaining a correct list in Form 123
of ex-convicts ordered to notify residence, which shall be displayed in the station.
The villages notified and the dates of release will be entered from jail release lists.
This order does not apply to Railway police stations.
When an ex-convict does not appear at the place notified within a reasonable time,
the SHO shall report the fact to the DCRB, which should order for enquiries to be
made after approval of SP/Addl. SP.
Ex-convict ordered to notify shall be watched in the same way as other dangerous
criminals and their intended movements, of which they should give notice and
movements communicated through BC Rolls.
The certificate prescribed by rule 7 of the rules framed by the Government is in Form
124. A copy of the certificate shall be attached to the copy of the general diary sent to
the office and remain filed with it.
Prosecution of ex-convicts for breach of the rules shall not be undertaken without the
sanction of the SP or the SDPO.
The offence falls under the second part of section 176 of the I PC. Remission grants
to heinous offenders
IX.
That the said convict will, within fourteen days from the date of his release, present
himself to the SP or if he is absent, to the Addl. SP in charge of Administration and
will produce the copy of the conditions of his release given to him by the Jail
Superintendent.
That he will henceforth report himself, once in each month, at such time and to such
officer as may be directed by the SP or Addl. SP.
That he will not.leave the district without the written permission of the SP.
That he will accept and fulfil the conditions of grant of such permission.
That he will not commit any offence punishable by law in force in India.
175
That he will not associate with notoriously bad characters or lead a dissolute life.
That he will live peacefully and will endeavour to earn an honest livelihood.
X.
(a) A convict in respect of whom such an order u/s 356 CrPC has been passed
shall, when called upon by the officer in charge of the jail in which he s
confined state before his release the place at which he Intends to reside after
his release, naming the village or town and the street therein. After release
and on arrival at his residence, he shall, within 24 hours, notify at the nearest
police station that he has taken up his residence accordingly.
(b) Whenever he intends to change his residence he shall, (not less than two days
before making such change), notify his intention at the nearest police station,
giving the date on which he intends to change his residence and the name of
the village or the town and street in which he intends to reside and, on arrival
at such residence, he shall, within twenty-four hours, notify at the nearest
police station that he has taken up his residence accordingly.
(c) The officer recording a notification shall allow such period as may be
reasonably necessary to enable the convict to take up his residence in the
place notified. If the convict does not take up his residence in such place
within the period so allowed, he shall, not later than the day following the
expiry of such period, notify his actual place of residence to the officer in
charge of the police station within the limits of which he is residing.
(d) Whenever a released convict intends to be absent from his residence between
sunset and sunrise, he shall notify his intention at the nearest police station,
stating the time and purpose of such absence, and the exact address where he
can be found during that period.
(e) Every notice required to be given by the foregoing rules shall be given by the
176
ii.
iii.
The lists will be filed separately in each station, and from them the
Station House Officer shall compile a list in the regional language of
persons likely to come to his station limits and display the same in
the station. The staff of the station is expected to learn the details of
these persons by going through these lists.
177
Chapter 12
178
Riots
205. No crime is so dangerous to the peace, harmony, life and well being of the people as
riots. Widespread riots for any duration paralyse trade, free movement of people depriving
their normal means of livelihood shaking the confidence in the police and the government. It
is the prime duty of the police to prevent the commission of breach of peace by gathering
intelligence to nip it in the bud. The police may later have to take effective measures in
controlling the disturbances. Primarily, it is the duty of the law and order police to control
these disturbances as per situation with the assistance of other wings of the department like
Reserve Police, Railway Police, Spl. Police, Central Paramilitary Forces etc. as per the need.
Each situation calls for different ways of dealing and adopting measures suiting to the laws
and the needs.
Collection of Information
206. Police should collect information about every movement, state of feeling, dispute or
incident, which may lead to a breach of peace. Communication of such information should be
sent to the concerned authorities for taking action and to use the information for the purpose
of preventing or detecting the associated crimes and for preventing breach of peace. All
police measures and actions, their efficacy and use depend on the quality of intelligence
gathered and its use.
A. Consult police station records to identify the occasions of breach of peace, its nature,
the places and potential troublemakers. The records should be kept accurate and
updated,
B. Visit the place and assess public feeling and likely trouble and contact persons who
command respect and confidence of rival groups. Also gather information from all
possible sources.
C. Understand and follow thoroughly the communications and instructions from superior
officers. Share this with the staff and ascertain full details from beat police and other
police staff on all aspects.
D. After the evaluation and assessment of the problem in all its aspects with reference
particularly to the persons, places and nature of trouble, police officers should decide
on surveillance, preventive arrests, promulgation of regulatory or prohibitory orders,
arrangements to be made to contain and control trouble.
E. It is the prime duty of the police to prevent the commission of cognizable offences.
They should enlist the assistance of influential persons in communities in mitigating
the situation and see that they exercise their influence in controlling the situations.
F. Policemen on duty should be instructed to take help of village officials and keep vigil
and report from time to time on the meetings, both public and secret, handbills
distributed and rumours set afloat by mischievous local elements or outside agents.
G. A striking force of adequate police strength should be mobilized and kept ready for
attending to any sudden out break of mob violence. Besides this all riot control
equipments like water cannon, gas guns, firearms and ammunition, helmets, shields,
tear gas shells, shock batons, baton rounds (rubber/plastic bullet), lathis etc. should be
kept ready for use.
H. Precautionary measures for preventing or dealing with such disorders depend-upon a
number of factors, including the cause of friction, the nature of the particular dispute,
whether the danger is continuous or associated with a particular festival or
occasion, and the influence of the leader of the communities.
I. Experience has shown that precautions taken in proper time tend to inspire confidence
among several communities and check the misguided zeal of irresponsible elements.
J. Arrange frequent patrolling if assessment reveals possible breach of peace.
K. Precaution signals, police preparedness and timely action act as a deterrent to possible
troublemakers and inspire confidence among public.
L. Pay utmost attention to fasts, feasts and festivals of different communities occurring
180
at the same time. Work out mutually acceptable arrangements; reconcile conflicting
approaches or disputes with the help of rival local leaders. But do not be misled by
promises and assurances and make necessary arrangements as a precaution.
M. Keep the concerned Executive Magistrate informed in writing to be available. Police
Officers should remain in close touch with the magistracy during situations of
anticipations and actual breach of peace.
N. When tensions and feelings run high, a clash in a large town develops into serious and
widespread trouble. Precautionary measures need to be taken on this assumption as
such steps will prevent and stop clashes in other areas apart from containing spread of
trouble.
Promulgation of orders under section 144 CrPC including curfew, prohibiting the
holding of meetings, delivering of speeches, assembling of persons, carrying of
weapons, taking out processions, or other acts from which a breach of the peace can
be apprehended.
ii.
In case of disputes that occasion the breach of the peace relating to land or water or to
boundaries of land or water, action under sections 145 to 148 of CrPC is appropriate
and must be taken. Copies of reports to Magistrates for action u/s 144 or 145 of CrPC
should be sent to the concerned superior Police Officers.
II.
III.
SDPOs, SP/Addl. SP should be present at the scene of the trouble and should
not leave the situation to be handled by subordinates alone without taking
away initiate from them. Mobile patrols in a vehicle with a Magistrate and
motorcycle patrols in a town are more valuable form of patrol in a town or
city.
IV.
Precautionary measures should include action u/s 151 CrPC against goondas,
rowdies, suspects, bad characters and the persons likely to create trouble.
Since the effect of an arrest u/s 151 CrPC is only for 24 hours. A specific
offence must be made out in case a person is required to be kept in custody for
more than 24 hours.
V.
ii.
There will be salutary effect if arrests of those responsible are made immediately
on the spot. Where the clash takes the form of mob fighting, there should be no
hesitation to disperse it by effective use of force. Use of firearms should be the
last resort, when all other measures have failed to save the lives and property of
the people. However, the decision to open fire to control mob should be taken
quickly and the situation should not be allowed to go out of hand due to indecision or delay in taking decision to open fire.
A riot scheme should be drawn up for every important town for each category of
riot like communal, caste, regional or political. These schemes should be
practiced every half-year. The object of the practice is to ensure that all officers
are conversant with the details of the scheme and their duties therein.
ii.
E. Senior Police Officer must assess the situation promptly and leave the scene when
they are fully satisfied that the situation is brought under control without taking
complacence haphazardly.
F. Case reported during riots should be promptly investigated and finalised.
ii.
If it is apprehended that the enjoyment of the approved practice with respect to any
procession will lead to a breach of the peace, it is the duly of the officers concerned to
take adequate precautionary measures.
iii.
iv.
Industrial Unrest
184
215. The following orders should be followed by the police on the occurrence of trouble
among the workers during strikes or widespread unrest.
II.
When a faction comes to notice for the first time, efforts should be made to nip it
in the bud. Conciliatory methods may be successful at times. If the faction
persists, there should be no hesitation in setting the relevant law in motion. Police
should give clear message to the factionist that the police would mean business in
dealing with any disturbance or crime and follow it up with necessary measures.
The factious villages shall be covered effectively during day by beat area police
officers. Informants should be cultivated and information network be built up.
Arrests u/s 151 Cr.PC. should be made where necessary.
III.
Even a minor incident resulting from a faction should not be ignored. Section 160
IPC and sections 106 and 107 of CrPC should be used. In all cases under section
107 of the Code the Magistrate should be requested to take interim bonds from the
parties. In some cases, it may be necessary to take action under clauses (e) and (f)
of section 110 of CrPC against important faction leaders and rowdies. In cases of
factious riotings and affray, the Magistrate should be requested to bind over the
186
parties under section 106 of CrPC. If police officers furnish all background
material on the sureties, it will enable the Magistrate to decide whether to accept
the surety or not and jail the persons if sureties are not to his satisfaction.
IV.
Even after the parties to a faction have been bound over under section 106 or
section 107 of CrPC, there should be no relaxation of vigilance in regard to that
faction, as instances are not wanting in which even after action has been taken
under the security sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, factious parties
have committed overt acts and indulged in sudden outbursts of violence. Every
such incident, however small including the attempts should be taken cognizance
of. The offenders should not only be charged for the specific offence but also
action taken for forfeiture of their bonds. If, in spite of all these measures,
factionists continue to be active, the Superintendent of Police should have no
hesitation to come up with proposals for quartering additional Police in the area.
V.
All incidents arising out of a faction should be recorded in the general diary
forthwith. An exhaustive note about the faction and its leaders and members with
their antecedents, as well as information collected from time to time by
Constables of the beat should be made in Part IV of the concerned Station Crime
History by the SHO.
persistent factionists.
Dispersal of Mobs
217. The instructions for the dispersal of mobs and for use of fire arms are contained
in the Police Drill Manual, besides legal provisions under section 129 to 132 Cr.P.C.
District, City Armed Reserves and Civil Police shall constantly practise these instructions.
An unlawful assembly may be ordered to disperse by a Magistrate or officer-in-charge of a
Police Station and when so ordered, it is the duty of the members of the unlawful assembly to
disperse. If they do not, force may be used to disperse them. Any Police Officer may without
warrant arrest the members of an unlawful assembly and thus disperse the assembly. The
following points have to be borne in mind.
I.
II.
If the crowd becomes defiant and the use of teargas, lathi charge or both are
inexpedient or fail in their purpose, use of firearms may be resorted to. The
Magistrate is responsible for taking a decision as to when an unlawful assembly
has to be dispersed by force and also the kind of force to be used. After such a
decision is taken, the officer-in-charge of the Police is solely responsible for
deciding the exact amount of force to be used, the manner of using it and the
settling of the details of the operations connected with the use of force, all the
time keeping in mind the principle that no more force and no longer than
necessary should be used.
III.
IV.
Officers commanding police parties will, ensure that the fullest warning is, if
feasible, given to the mob in a clear and distinct manner before any order is given
to use tear gas or lathies or fire arms. They will use the most effectual means to
explain before hand to them that in the event of the Police party being forced to
open fire, the fire will be effective and on the target. Whenever firing is resorted
to, directions and warnings to the mobs should be announced through
loudspeakers. Police vehicles should be equipped with loudspeakers and where
such arrangements cannot be made hand megaphones should be kept ready for
announcement.
188
V.
Even after being warned, if the mob does not disperse, the order to fire may be
given. If the officer in command of the party is of the opinion that it will suffice if
orders to only one or two files are given, he may accordingly order specifying the
files that are to open fire. If, however, he considers that it will be insufficient, he
will give the word of command to one or more sections to open fire. The fire
order of each section will be given, by the regular word of command by the
officer-in-charge of the party. Firing should be well controlled and officers
ordering firing should always indicate the number of rounds that should be fired
at any particular time.
VI.
Where the situation warrants firing over the heads of the crowd and where it is
considered likely to be effective in dispersing the violent mob, such firing should
be resorted to only with blank ammunition. Other policemen should be kept ready
with rifles loaded with live ammunition so that if the use of blank ammunition
fails, the Police would not be taken by surprise or overwhelmed. Firing with live
ammunition should be directed against the most threatening part of the crowd, the
aim being kept low. Firing should cease the moment it is no longer necessary.
VII.
Files or sections ordered to fire shall unload immediately after firing without
further word of command until the order to cease firing is made finally. Firing
should cease the moment the rioters show signs of dispersing and all help should
immediately be rendered to tend or convey the wounded to the hospital.
VIII.
An Armed Force should never be brought so close to a large and dangerous mob
as to risk its being overwhelmed by numbers or being forced into action resulting
in infliction of heavy casualties. Firing should be carried out from a distance
sufficient to obviate the risk of being rushed on and to enable strict fire control.
IX.
Riot flags and display banners should be taken when District Reserves are called
out in apprehension of disturbances and before firing or any other means of
dispersal is resorted to. They should be hoisted in front of the mob in a manner
that what is written on them is clearly visible and can be read or clearly
understood by the mob.
189
X.
The Police used for dispersing mobs should wear the prescribed uniforms and
steel helmets. The teargas section and the armed party protecting the teargas
section should wear antigas respirators.
right cautiously. Any amount of exceeding the right may make them liable for penal action
as per law. Therefore, the police officers must make a judicious use of this right, only in dire
need to save the life and property, when occasion arises as shown in sections 100 and 103 I
PC.
219. Special Police Officers for Law & Order Purposes
I.
II.
Every SDPO shall maintain a list of residents suitable with good antecedents for
such duty at each place in his Sub-Division in order that he may be able at any
moment to give the Magistrate the necessary details to enable him to appoint
without delay as many special Police Officers as may be necessary. The lists
should be updated every year. Those persons who have been in NCC, NSS, scouts
and guides and employees in the government departments and other young
persons of good antecedents would be the proper persons to be included in the
list. The ex-servicemen are also useful for the purpose.
III.
A list of all Special Police Officers thus appointed shall be displayed in the local
police station. The place of muster, which need not necessarily be a police station,
190
shall be attended at the time by an officer not lower in rank than a Sub-Inspector.
He shall check the attendance of Special Police Officers and allot their duties in
writing specifying the hours of duty and its nature.
IV.
The requirement of discipline for such special police officers should be liberal and
ordinarily the physical drill is not necessary. The form of compliments to seniors
will not be a salute but a civilian method of greeting. The periods of duty shall not
be long and reliefs shall be frequent. The work of Special Police Officers shall be
supervised and checked and absence from duty noted by specially selected
Special Police Officers to whose charge they are given. The Special Police
Officers whenever necessary shall be strengthened and supported by regular
police. They shall remain as separate bodies, and the duty of using any necessary
force shall be performed by regular police. Negligence or refusal to serve without
sufficient excuse or disobedience to orders or directions makes him liable on
conviction and fine.
V.
II.
When the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police consider that
additional police should be stationed in any area in the district, the SP will
191
III.
On receipt of the proposals from the Zonal Inspector-General/DIGP, the DGP will
move the Government for the imposition of additional police and, if they agree,
request them to issue a notification in the Government Gazette. As soon as the
notification is published in the Government Gazette, the Superintendent of Police
will draft the force of the strength mentioned in the notification to the area, from
the district police strength.
IV.
Soon after the notification in the Gazette, the District Magistrate will submit
proposals to the Government through the Zonal IG/DIGP and DGP as to manner
of recovery stating clearly the financial condition of the inhabitants of the area
from whom the cost is proposed to be recovered and the manner of distribution of
cost amongst them. If it is considered desirable that any of the residents should be
exempted from the contribution, the reasons should be clearly stated.
V.
VI.
police are (a) to patrol the affected area and (b) to restrain the inhabitants of the
area from committing excesses (c) any other duties prescribed by the SP. The
Station House Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance of the duties.
I.
Duties of Police : The police officers have to play an important and active role in
curbing this menace of ragging. Therefore, all Ss.P./Cs.P. should instruct their
subordinates before the commencement of the academic session to contact Heads
194
of the educational institutions and enlighten them on the provisions of the law.
Head of educational institution should also be advised to give wide publicity
about the provisions prohibitively ragging.
II.
University and College hostels should be visited especially in the nights and in the
beginning of the academic session along with the wardens and university/college
staff. If necessary complaint box may be kept in the hostels. Efforts to collect
intelligence or deploy men in plain clothes at the beginning of academic year
besides keeping vigilance over senior students and also request the management
to take preventive action besides involving the non-government organisations
should be taken by the police to stop ragging. Suo-moto action should be initiated
where the institutions or the targeted victims do not come forward to lodge a
complaint for fear of reprisal.
195
Chapter 13
Causes of Communalism
224. Communal disturbances and the causes underlying them are manifold. The main causes
appear to be historical, activities of communal parties, opportunistic and parochial policies of
political parties, enemy acts, mal-treatment of minority communities, and prevailing
prejudices between members of the different communities. Conflict of interests and
competition between two communities for sharing of economic and educational opportunities
may, sometimes, assume the form of communal disturbances. In the ultimate analysis,
prejudices, wrong attitudes and an atmosphere of mutual distrust and fear are responsible for
communal disharmony. Absence of adequate mutual participation in social and cultural
activities and a lack of devotion to common secular and non-religious values, consequent
living in almost closed societies, largely contribute to the continued existence of prevailing
prejudices and disharmony.
and happens to be a basic responsibility of the police. Police Acts and the criminal
procedure code require the police to maintain public order and to interpose and to
proceed to the spot to investigate actual or suspected commission of offences.
Under section 127 and 128 of CrPC, the officer-in-charge of a Police Station and
other senior police officers are entitled to command dispersal of unlawful
assemblies or even to use force for that purpose. The duties and powers of the
police in India are both statutory and obligatory. The police are, therefore, duty
bound to maintain law and order during communal disturbances.
II.
III.
these assume nastier and more purposive character. Rumours relating to communal, tensions
generally go through the following three stages:
(a) They begin with talks of alleged insults and discrimination.
(b) The common stories of imminent violence, of the arming by the other community, of
the need to protect house and loved ones from attack.
(c) Finally, the crisis rumours develop and spread for example, inflammatory acts, like
sex assault, beating or other crimes etc.
(iii) Watch on Community Leaders : During communal tension, the communal groups and
their leaders, exhibit a progressive tendency to operate more boldly and more openly. They
step up their propaganda; a campaign against other communities as they presume that there
will be a greater degree of social acceptance of their views during such times. Their activities
must be kept under close watch.
(iv) Preventive Arrests and Other Action : After collecting advance intelligence, it should
be carefully assessed and appreciated by the senior officers and preventive action should be
planned. If there is time, action under section 107, 117 of the criminal procedure code can be
taken against ring leaders and other anti-social elements. Arrests under section 151 of the
code of criminal procedure of ring leaders and mischief mongers of both the communities
can also be made. Remand can also be taken for police or judicial custody of persons arrested
under S. 151 Cr.P.C. Arrests of ring leaders and anti-social elements, who may fish in
troubled waters, can also be made under the Preventive Detention Act for detaining persons
for longer period. However, sufficient material should be collected in advance regarding their
activities and speeches, etc., so that action under Preventive Detention Act can be taken and
sustained against them.
(v) Prohibit Entry and Promulgation of Prohibition Orders : It may also become
necessary to either restrict the entry of certain undesirable persons into areas of tension or to
remove them from such areas in order to prevent their spreading communal propaganda and
mischief. Suitable prohibitory orders under section 144 Cr. P.C. may be promulgated and
enforced strictly. Issue of licences under Police Act requiring the processions to be taken
along certain routes and imposing other suitable conditions should be ensured so that clash
with the opposite group or party may be avoided.
198
Apart from the legal measures certain administrative steps should also be taken.
Joint Peace Committee consisting of respective leaders of the communities may be
constituted for taking their help and that of other progressive political leaders for
controlling the tension
and
preventing
ii.
to assure
legal action
them.
to
protect
them
The
that
police
the
should
also make
it
all
known
publicly and privately to all that in case of trouble, they will take quick,
firm
and
strong
action. A close
watch
publicized adequately
and
quickly.
Also persons
found
should
be
circulating
such
If preventive measures fail and actual trouble breaks out the police will
have
to
take
always under
action
an intense
use
to deal
with the
same.
The
communal
are swayed by
amenable to
determined,
reasoning
swift
and
and
persuasion.
effective
force
The
mobs
are
feelings
of
to deal such
should,
mobs
ii.
If the mob gets an impression that the police are either weak or undecided
in their attitude, it may embolden them to become highly violent and destructive.
While in the initial stages, mob violence may be directed against specific
targets like members of the opposite group and their property, as it gets into
199
high gear, it may become more generalized and may be directed to general
public and their property. Determined
and
strong
police
action at the
initial
Attempt should be made to prevent the formation of crowds and to break them as
soon as they are formed. For this purpose, patrolling and posting of pickets at
strategic points will be necessary. The crowds can be dispersed under Section 127 of
the Cr.P.C.
ii.
Arrest of ring leaders may be made, if that is possible, without provoking much
trouble.
iii.
If a crowd is already formed, it should be cordoned off so that its size does not
increase by the joining of other people.
iv.
As soon as the mob starts indulging in violence or it is clear to the police that
violence will be resorted to, immediate action should be taken to disperse the same.
The police can use force for this purpose under section 128 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure for dispersal of unlawful assemblies. In such a case, orders of the
Magistrate, if present at the scene, should be obtained. Force can also be used by the
police under the Right of Private Defence (Sections 96 to 106 of the I.P.C.). For use
of force in the exercise of right of private defence, the orders of the Magistrate are not
required.
v.
In case of serious rioting, orders under S. 144 Cr.P.C. and the popularly called curfew
orders, may have to be imposed and strictly enforced. While major incidents may be
controlled by the promulgation of curfew, sporadic incidents of individual stabbing or
killing may continue for sometime, particularly in crowded areas. Therefore, the
police must organize foot and cycle patrols in such areas to ensure that there are no
such incidents. Care must be exercised in the withdrawal of curfew orders. This
should be withdrawn by stages. Sometime withdrawal of curfew orders may
aggravate the situation. After a mob has been dispersed, the police should pursue it
and ensure that all persons return home so that the mob does not re-form. Police
vigilance and patrolling should continue to prevent any eventuality.
vi.
When communal disturbance break out over a wide area in a District or a City, the
200
The areas of tension should be isolated by effective patrolling and posting of strong
pickets.
viii.
ix.
x.
The injured should be given first aid and the dead persons should be removed to the
Mortuary.
xi.
Suitable liaison should be maintained with the press to enlist their cooperation in
correct reporting and mobilization of public opinion against communal tension.
xii.
Patrolling pickets in sensitive areas and general police vigilance should continue till
complete normalicy is restored.
xiii.
Policemen have to be on duty at various places for many days. Satisfactory feeding
and shelter arrangements should be made for them.
A high powered Standing Council presided over by the Home Minister consisting of
representatives of major political parties, officials of the Home Ministry, police
officers and eminent sociologists may be constituted to review the communal
situation and advise the government on a regular basis on measures to promote
communal harmony and to minimize communal disturbances. Similar Councils may
be constituted at field level also.
ii.
iii.
v.
vi.
A policy should also be formulated in regard to the withdrawal of cases by the State.
Normally, cases against persons who have indulged in communal riots should not be
withdrawn, but if it is thought necessary to do so in exceptional circumstances, a
definite policy in this respect should also be evolved.
Major political parties should evolve a code of conduct and agree not to take
advantage of communal feelings for gaining political advantage.
They should propagate secular ideals and value and mobilize public support
for the same.
Legislative Measures
232. A bill introduced in the Parliament to amend Sections 153-A and 505 of I.P.C. to
enlarge their scope to enhance the provision of punishment and to make them cognizable has
been approved. Amendment of Section 8 of the Representation of the people Act 1951 to
provide for the disqualification from the membership of Parliament or State Legislature of
persons convicted of offences under Section
153-A or
505
of the
public
Security Act
1959
to
arm the
202
law
and
order
authorities with
additional powers in regard to the entry of certain persons into certain areas,
regulation of the publication and circulation of provocative and alarming news or
views, control of camps, parades and drills, prohibition or restriction of the use of
pathways and roads, and constitution of special courts.
psychology
and
social psychology.
include
Specialized
riot
lessons
in
crowd
control
squads
with
those
State
suitable
research
organization
should
be
established in
handled
by the
police,
and
make
its
findings
available
to all
kept
room
and
communication
availability of manpower,
facilities,
and
equipment, etc.,
Educational Measures
234. The syllabi of all educational institutions should be reviewed
and,
if
necessary,
revised to ensure that the secular values and requirements of national integration unity
are adequately emphasised.
also
see that
203
no
There
should
be
greater
inter-community participation
activities. For this purpose, recreational facilities, sports, and youth clubs, etc
may
be
organised
in which members
of both the
ii.
body
politic.
These
are
product
of political,
social,
economic,
associated
with and
play
an active role
in the combined
social
action
against the communal menace. The main role of the police, however, is limited
to dealing
with the
outer manifestation
involving
on the
with determination,
efficiency and impartiality. In this task, they should solicit the cooperation and
support of leaders of public opinion, the press, administrative agencies and major
social institutions.
Legal Provisions
236. The legislature has provided strict laws on preventive as well as punitive side for
preventing and punishing the commission of crime relating to communal disturbances.
I.
Preventive Provisions :
a) Preventive action under the Cr.P.C. :
(i) Security for good behaviour u/s 108 Cr.P.C. : Any person who either
orally or in writing or in any other manner, intentionally disseminates or attempts
or abets dissemination of any matter the publication of which is punishable under
section 124-A, 153-A, 153-B or 295-A IPC or any matter pertaining to
intimidation of a Judge or any person who makes a publication of any of matter
204
punishable u/s 292 IPC, may be bound down by a Magistrate for one year and
may required to furnish security for good behaviour. Hence all such persons like
communal elements who disseminate such matter may be bound down in
advance. Police stations and the D.S.B. should have complete record of speeches
and uttering of such persons which provide very good evidence under this section.
c) Dispersal of unlawful assemblies u/s 129 Cr.P.C - In any communal riot, any
205
provision arrest can not be made merely on the apprehension of breach of peace.
It is required that the Officer arresting must know that the persons to be arrested is
designing to commit a cognizable offence. However, it is well settled that apart
from malafide, the correctness of the information or the opinion of the Police
Officer, cannot be questioned in a Court of Law.
II.
Punitive Action :
In addition to the general offences of injury to human body, loss or destruction of public or
private property by mischief or otherwise,
Indian Penal Code, the following few provisions are important which, specifically relates
to communal violence and breach of communal peace:
is also a serious offence u/s 145. When force or violence is used by the unlawful assembly
becomes a riot define u/s 146 and who ever is guilty of rioting, is punishable u/s 147 and
if the rioting, is with arms is becomes a serious offence u/s 148 punishable with 3 years of
imprisonment, u/s 149 every member of the unlawful assembly has been held liable for
every offence committed in prosecution of that common object. Similarly hiring of persons to
join unlawful assembly is punishable u/s 150 and joining such unlawful assembly after it has
been commanded to disperse is an offence under 151 IPC.
209
Chapter 14
ii.
Ease with which explosive devices can be manufactured, transported, handled and
fitted with variety of unsuspecting objects multiplying their potential manifold,
iii.
Difficulties faced by the security agencies in timely detection and diffusion of the
bombs,
iv.
It is much safer for the terrorists to use explosive devices and cause severe
damage/loss to the target without themselves suffering any loss since they need not be
present physically within the effective zone,
v.
The psychological impact created by the explosion on the morale of the security
forces and the public in general.
240.1 In India, most of the terrorist/militant/extremist groups are resorting to increasing use
of explosive devices. Over the years the casualties among the security force personnel and
even civilians have been increasing because of explosions carried out by the
terrorist/extremist groups. All terrorist and extremist groups operating in the country have
been making extensive use of explosive devices to target VIPs and security personnel and
create panic. The police have a special and specific role, duty and responsibility to deal with
terrorism issues and handle the incidents of bombs and explosives in this context.
Bomb Threats
241. The primary purpose of any bomb threat is to disrupt the normal activities of society,
government or business. It may be directed toward a person, family, or a group for scare
threat, terror, intimidation or revenge. A bomb threat may be a fake call or can be an actual
210
warning. A warning may be to cause only property damage and not human injuries or death.
Warnings may be coded, which is often the practice of some known terrorist groups. Some
warnings may contain more details and may as a matter of procedure validate the threat. This
uncertainty or validity of any threat is required to be taken seriously, acted upon and not
ignored.
Types of Searches
245. Searches to be conducted as a follow up of bomb threat are following:
A. Counter Terrorist Search include systematic procedures to locate any terrorist
resource, including personnel, hides, munitions, weapons, documents, equipment,
bombs, and booby traps
B. Defensive Search Operations are those operations undertaken primarily to protect
potential targets
C. Evidential Search is the legitimate search of any person, building, conveyance, or
area conducted in order to locate any person or item sought in the pursuance of
criminal evidence
D. High Risk Search - Counter terrorist search is classified high risk when a bomb or
booby trap (explosive or otherwise) is present, or when there is special reason to
212
for prosecution,
intelligence
I.
Personal Search
246. Suspected persons must be searched, because terrorists transport small arms and
ammunition and other incriminating items concealed on their clothing or body. Items found
are directly attributable, increasing the chances of a conviction and making this type of
search is particularly important. Great care must be taken when carrying out a search of a
person, as there is the inherent risk of alleged brutality, assault, or unethical acts.
Furthermore, since most people searched are innocent, the police must search in a manner
that demonstrates their professionalism and courtesy. These factors make it imperative that
searches of people are only conducted in circumstances which can be legally carried out and
which involve procedures that minimize the risk of accusations against the police. Searches
must only be conducted in accordance with the law. Persons who conduct searches must be
aware of the appropriate laws and approved practices.
Intimate body searches involving the internal examination of body orifices other than the
mouth may only be carried out by licensed medical personnel after authority has been
obtained.
213
A search should only be conducted to the detail necessary to discover what is being
sought.
The level of detail within a search is dictated by what is being sought, legal justification,
permissible extent of the removal of clothing and necessary intimacy of the search
ii.
iii.
iv.
i.
249. The quick body search generally called frisking should be carried out when dealing with
a large number of people and a detailed body search is not warranted. As a preliminary to a
detailed body search, when the immediate requirement is to detect anything which could be
used to harm the searcher, the person being searched, or anyone else. As a preliminary to a
detailed body search when the immediate requirement is to secure any evidential material
which could be discarded or destroyed before the detailed search. If possible, such searchers
should work in pairs, with one person doing the physical searching and the other observing
the searcher, the subject and the surrounding area. Following precautions should be taken:
The searcher should not stand directly in front or behind the subject to avoid being
kicked, kneed, or head butted.
The searcher should not be distracted or intimidated and should avoid eye contact
with the subject
When weapons arc being used, the searcher should avoid crossing the line of fire of a
covering officer.
Ideally the subject should stand with legs slightly apart arid arms extended sideways.
Avoid spread-eagling the subject against a wall. Later it may be necessary to swab the
subjects hands for explosive traces, and no opportunity should be given for any
remains or residue to be rubbed off.
214
The search should be conducted quickly in a systematic manner from head to foot,
down one side and up the other, covering all parts of the body, front and back, or by
dividing the body into quadrants.
Attention should be paid to pockets and waist bands where weapons may be
concealed. Care must also be taken to search quickly all external body depressions,
such as the small of the back, armpits, crotch areas, chest, and closed hands.
The searcher should never pal the subject, but use a stroking squeezing movement
and thus feel for foreign objects through clothing.
When searching limbs, both hands are used with thumbs and index fingers touching
where practical.
Any baggage or removed clothing attributable to the subject must also be searched.
Such items should be treated with respect.
The use of equipment, such as hand and archway metal detectors or explosive and
baggage x-ray machines, can be of assistance, especially at times when processing
large numbers of people at access control points.
ii.
250. A detailed body search is normally carried out when there are reasonable grounds for
suspecting that the subject is in possession of illegal items. This search would normally be
conducted out of public view; however, the search must be conducted at or nearby the place
where the person is first detained. A detailed body search should be conducted using the
same procedure as the quick body search but with the addition of the following points:
Establish the identity of the subject and the ownership of any baggage and other
articles.
Ideally the search should be conducted out of the public eye. The details of the search
depend upon the amount of suspicion and the time available.
Invite the subject to empty all pocket and remove all items and paper being carried.
When conducting the search, pay attention to every detail, particularly clothing
215
seams, waist bands, belts, collars, lapels, padding, cuffs, and rolled up shirts, pants,
etc. Socks and shoes provide easily missed hiding places. Areas such as the groin,
small of the hack, chest, and thick hair arc also commonly missed areas, especially on
females. Medical dressings are always suspected, and medical personnel should be
called to examine dressings and plaster cast if thought necessary. Information from
clothing, such as name tags, manufacture's labels, and laundry marks can be valuable.
Unless there is some future interview advantage in doing so, no emotion should be
shown upon finding articles, and significant articles should not be set aside from
others unless they are weapons or evidence. All items should be saved out of reach of
the subject.
iii.
Strip Search
(a) A strip search is a search involving the removal of more than outer clothing. A
strip search may take place if it is necessary to remove an article which a person
would not be allowed to keep, and the officer reasonably considers that the person
might have concealed such an article. Generally, strip searches are not routinely
carried out where there is no reason to consider that articles have been concealed.
The procedure for the strip search is similar in principle to the searches outlined
above. The following additional points apply:
should be minimized.
If articles are found during the search, the person shall be asked
to hand them over.
(b) The clothing should be carefully examined when it is removed. However, if there
is the slightest possibility that the clothing may have forensic value (explosive
traces, fiber evidence, etc.), it should be immediately preserved and sent for
examination. Care must be taken to avoid any possible contamination of items of
forensic evidential value.
iv.
251. Body orifices other than the mouth may be searched only with proper authority if:
a) An article or potential weapon which could cause physical injury to the detained person,
the officer, or others has been concealed; or
b) The person has concealed a Class A drug which he/she intended to supply to another
person; and
c) In either case, an intimate search is the only practical means of removing the article or
drug. The procedure for an intimate body search is similar to the searches outlined above.
The following additional points apply:
The reason why an intimate search is considered necessary shall be explained to the
person before the search takes place.
The search may only be carried out by licensed or authorized medical personnel.
Search under (a) above may only take place at a hospital, surgery, other medical
premises, or police station.
Search under (b) may take place only at a hospital, surgery, or other medical
premises.
II.
Building Search
217
252. The nature and focus of the building search should depend on the evaluation of the
threat. If the building has to be subjected to extensive search it should first be evacuated.
Although several things are to be considered in evacuation, the officer responding to call
should contact the concerned officer-in-charge of the place and advice him that the location
should be evacuated, complete evacuation may not be necessary.
Evacuation Precautions
253. Most bombs are located on the outside of a building, near the entrance or on the first
floor or at the place of actual function. Hence while evacuating; the occupant would be
passing by the best possible location of a bomb. The occupants, therefore, may be placed in
greater jeopardy while they are leaving than if they stayed where they were. Hence
evacuation of the building or function site may not be always time considered the best
procedure. Decision by the search officer should be taken after assessing the situation.
Evacuation Instructions
254. Following guidelines may be followed when a decision has been taken to evacuate a
building or place where a function is to be held :a) Ask the occupants to walk out of the building in a quiet manner. Don't run.
b) People should go to safe areas and wait for instructions.
c) Do not use elevators/lifts/conveyors.
d) Follow instructions from guides.
e) Open all windows/doors.
f) Carry all personal belongings.
g) Do not leave safe area until told.
h) Help ladies, old people and children.
i) Cut off gas and electric supply before leaving.
j) Do not obstruct passage of security/bomb search personnel.
k) Do not spread rumours in assembly or safe area to cause panic.
254.1 Standard building searches will vary according to the type and dimension of the search.
Teams may be increased or diminished in size by varying the numbers of search pairs, as
appropriate to the task, but technique should remain the same. Where there are real
218
suspicions that a premise is or has been used by terrorists, consideration must be given to the
priorities of entering and searching such a building. First consideration should be toward
danger, whether from occupants or whatever they may have left. Second, every effort must
be made to retain all possible forensic evidence. Third, systematic search should ensure that
nothing of relevance remains hidden.
A. Planning
256. The following points are particularly relevant to standard building search procedure and
should be considered for inclusion in operation orders and briefings:
Address and precise location of the building;
Building description, including identification, structural details, out buildings and
garages, and plans if available
Details of previous searches at the same or nearby addresses
Surrounding area environment and local mood
Details of occupants and owners - numbers, gender, age, previous convictions, violent
tendencies, health, employment
People likely to be in the building at the time of the search
Occupants' vehicles - type, color, location
Dogs or dangerous animals present which may require a specialist
Authority to search (warrant)
Probable point and method of entry
Timings - briefings, cordon placement, first and last light, entry and expected
completion (A small dwelling house may take at least four : hours to search.)
Search manpower - ensure sufficient personnel to deal with the anticipated occupants
and carry out the search.
Cordon manpower
219
Communication - channels (restricted and scrambled preferred), call signs, and code
words
Other agencies - explosive search dogs, photographer, female searchers, entry team,
investigating officers, evidence collection officer, and support personnel
Equipment requirements - search kits, ladders, optical equipment, Polaroid camera,
pocket tape recorder, and refreshments
Transport - quantity, type (covert), security
Documentation - search records, inventory lists, copy of warrant, etc.
Clothing - appropriate to type and nature of search and weather, including soft shoes,
masks, disposable gloves and coveralls to avoid contamination of evidence
B. Entry
257. Following guidelines should be followed when entering a building to conduct a search:
It may be necessary for a cordon to be positioned prior to the start of the search to
prevent the escape of suspects from the search area, witness any attempts to dispose
of evidence, and ensure the security of the search team.
If the search is linked to the investigation of terrorism, police officers should only be
referred to by number and not by name especially within the hearing of suspects.
After briefing and before entering the building or search area, the search pairs are
allocated their initial areas of responsibility,
Each search pair moves quickly through its area, locating any occupants.
All keys are handed to and retained by the scribe until the conclusion of the search.
If there arc clear indications that a building, room, or area requires a detailed forensic
examination (for example, it is the scene of a violent crime or illegal manufacture),
220
III.
Systematic Search
221
259. A systematic search is the heart of the operation. Searching of the whole building and
identified areas must be done systematically so as to ensure that nothing is missed. Search
pairs are tasked progressively by the team leader, and the recorder completes the search
record detailing who did what, where, and when. Detailed documentation is essential to
ensure that the correct procedures are followed and that nothing is missed. The following
procedure is recommended for searching a room and using any search equipment that may be
required :
Identify to the Team Lender all visually obvious and relevant items so that they can
be recovered and documented by the Evidence Collection Officer.
Complete visual/no touch search of the room for anything obvious. As a pair, search
all furniture, using a "no damage" marking system, such as removable stickers or
chalk, to record progress. Move all furniture into one half of the room. Consider the
run of the floor boards so that complete lengths can be lifted if necessary. As a pair,
closely search the floor, walls, ceilings, and fixtures in the cleared half of the room.
Examination of the floor may determine the necessity of lifting the floorboard and
covering. If so, use correct methods and equipment to minimize damage. Walls
should be checked from floor to ceiling, working around the room from a chosen
point, perhaps from the doorway. Do not forget the door and frame. The ceiling and
walls should be checked for height and width against neighboring rooms to ensure
there are no false cavities.
(a)
Room Search
Search of Stairways
(c)
Search of Attics
(d)
Search of Kitchen
263. When searching kitchens, check the following :Refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances (Switch off power supply before moving)
Food containers, pots, etc. (Tip the contents out into Polyurethane bags, and then
replace them in the original containers.)
(e)
- Electricity boxes
- Televisions and other electrical devices
- External fittings, such as gutters, pipes, and window boxes
- Outbuildways, garages, vehicles
264. After a room has been searched, it must be left in its original state. Any damage caused
must be reported to the Team Leader and recorded on the Search Record. Photograph and
video may be appropriate.
General Precautions
265. Searchers must always use their eyes, think three-dimensionally, and consider any voids
within closed spaces. Remember that hidden items may be more than arms length away.
Look as well as feel. Persons secreting articles may "mask" them by using rubbish, dirty
washing, used sanitary napkins, or diapers to discourage the searcher from detailed
examination. Minimize damage by the correct choice and use of tools and search equipment.
Work closely as a pair and monitor each others actions. For example, search one piece of
furniture together. Talk to each other to maintain motivation and system.
IV.
Area Search
266. Open areas are often used as the sites for hiding places, as they have the advantage that
they can be watched from nearby houses without being attributable to individuals. Although
normally associated with a rural environment, open spaces occur in an urban setting in the
form of parks and gardens or vacant ground. Therefore, the areas to be searched may vary
from the side of hill to a back garden.
(a)
Planning
267. Area searches are especially dependent upon good planning for success. The following
points are particularly relevant to the planning and conduct of an area search. Where
appropriate, these points should be re-evaluated as the search progresses.
Indicate the center of the search area by a lot number or grid reference, with an
address if possible.
Obtain the identity of the owner or tenant of the land.
Information gained from aerial photographs, even if only library material is valuable.
224
(b)
Hide Locations
268. An appreciation of the needs of the terrorists helps in identifying likely hide locations.
These vary with the situation and the type of bide being sought, but common points include:
Case and speed of access
Proximity to a road or track
Base of locating the bide
268.1 The location of the hide includes the general area, which must be easily identifiable,
such as a small hedgerow or building. The precise location of the hide may be marked in
some fashion. This applies particularly to temporary hides. The markers may be artificial,
such as a painted fence post, but are usually some natural landmark that is identifiable at
night. Examples of terrorist markers include:
A distinctive tree in the comer of a field
A lone tree in the center of a hedgerow
A gap in a hedge
A telegraph pole in a hedge
Any distinct natural object or set of objects
Case of access into the hide itself
Concealment and camouflage
268.2 The terrorist does not want to be seen when actually using the hide. Therefore, it is
likely to be in dead ground, although the general area may be observed by a sympathizer. The
225
surroundings of the hide must provide natural camouflage and concealment. It should
provide proximity to terrorist's route to or from targets. A terrorist's local knowledge may
obviate the need for markers. Searchers should be suspicious of anything out of place, such
as worn patches of grass, broken twigs, footprints, etc. Use aerial photography to identify
recent digging or the disturbance of the normal pattern of plant growth.
268.3 The search of areas is normally conducted on the principle that the most likely
locations for hides are searched first, including team individual control power, boundary,
primary search points and other vital points. The team commander must always ensure that
the whole area is searched. Searchers must remember to look up as well as down. Even if a
find is made, they must carry on searching, as there may be other hides in the vicinity.
V.
Route Search
269. Route search is a defensive search operation carried out on both urban and rural routes
that are to be used by a person subject to protective measures. Routes include roads, tracks,
railways, and waterways. They provide obvious locations for the terrorists to stage ambushes.
The likely methods and locations of a terrorist attack must be given special consideration
when planning and throughout the execution of the route search operations.
Ambush Weapons
270. From a search viewpoint, the main threat is that of an improvised explosive device used
as an ambush weapon against the target. Improvised explosive devices used as an ambush
weapon, which can be anti personnel or claymore type, blast or fragmentation bombs, culvert
bombs or direct the weapons. All these devices require some device of initiation, radio
control, projectile control etc.
Terrorist Considerations
271. A terrorist will attack his target where it is particularly advantageous. The target is
always at greater risk when he has to slow or stop due to traffic lights, road junctions, sharp
bends, narrow roads, and other impediments. These positions are known as vulnerable points.
Examples of vulnerable points are: Culverts, bridges, high banked stretches of route, routes
dominated by high ground (possible firing points), junctions, isolated buildings and walls
near the route, and parked vehicles etc.
226
Predictability of target
Movements known
Publicity
Threat assessment
Level of protection
272.1 The three search methods are:
Full route search
Vulnerable point search
Search and seal followed by visual search.
VI.
Vehicle Search
273.1 Vehicle search covers a very broad field, from bicycles to ships and aircraft. This
concentrates on the most common- the car - but the principles involved embrace all forms of
transport, although the more complex, such as aircraft, may require special planning and
assistance.
273.2 Terrorists and criminals may try to avoid being searched and may be working in liaison
with others. Signs of such behaviour may include signaling to the following vehicle, such as
flashing brake lights or using radio and movement of the pedestrians who may have left
vehicles just before the check point.
227
Initial Impressions
274. The initial impressions created by a vehicle and its occupants may give a good guide to
their integrity. The search may have come as a surprise and their apprehension may be at its
height. It is important that the search procedure should not given them time to compose
themselves. When forming an initial impression, follow the guidelines below:
Look at the faces of the driver and passengers. Are they relaxed and normal, or tense
and nervous?
Beware of the over police, apparently "pro police" persons. Nobody likes being
delayed.
Look for anything suspicious or out of place like
I.Driver wearing gloves (he or she may be trying not to leave fingerprints)
II.Vehicles with "out of place" occupants
III.Vehicles with open windows on cold days or strong smells of scent or
excessive smoking (Are they trying to disperse or cover the smell of
explosives?)
IV.Vehicle which appears overloaded (down on rear axle). It could be a large
vehicle bomb.
Look at the door and window catches. Broken catches may indicate forced entry.
Tell the driver to switch off the engine while you are talking to him. If the ignition has
been short circuited in order to steal the car, he or she will be unable to comply.
Look at the ignition key. Most drivers have their keys on a ring or medallion. Be
suspicious of a single key in the ignition switch.
Ask the driver to estimate the contents of the trunk and describe where the spare wheel is
stowed. Watch to see if he or she can open the trunk with the correct key.
Request the driver to open the hood. He or she should know where the release is situated.
If a radio is fitted, turn it on to make sure it is not tuned into a police frequency.
Ask the driver to operate the accessories, such as the windshield wiper, lights, etc.
Cross check the age of the vehicle, as shown on documents, with marking on the vehicle.
Always verify doubtful answers with a check of registration and warrants, but remember
228
that it is not infallible. The terrorist may steal or hijack a car from a person who cannot or
dare not report the theft, or it may be so recently stolen that it has not yet been reported.
Always be aware that if the occupants are terrorists, they may be armed and traveling in
escort with others in another vehicle.
274.1 In all vehicle searches, a suspicious and inquisitive mind is required, in particular to
check all welding and bodywork repairs, suspect unnaturally clean or dirty areas, follow
pipes and ducts from one compartment to the next, to remain aware of false compartments to
check the internal and external dimensions.
274.2 Searchers must be courteous, efficient, through, and quick. They must not refrain from
searching the interior of vehicles due to the presence of children and babies, pets, old people,
young ladies, or apparently stick or drunk persons. If necessary, special assistance must be
called.
Ask the drivers and passengers to dismount from the vehicle with their possessions.
2.
3.
Allow a search (drugs or explosives detections) dog, if available, to search the vehicle.
The search pair then starts with the interior search.
4.
Search the vehicle. The owner or driver may watch the whole operation. Any change in
demeanor should be noted.
275.1 For all vehicle searches, the vehicle should be divided into the five areas listed below
for the search:
Engine compartment
(a)
Roof lining
(b)
Door panels
-Lower the window first. Can you search without removing the trim? Avoid damage to
spring clips and other parts.
-Check that the windows and doors open easily and completely.
-Check the rear side panel (two door vehicles)
-Remove and check through the trunk.
(c)
Back seat
(d)
Front seats
(e)
Dashboard area
(f)
Remove panels and check access to wing space and door seals.
230
(g)
Floor
(h)
Recreational vehicles (RVs) are ideal for smuggling, since they are double-skinned
vehicles.
Check wheel trims and hubs. Check tire pressures. Bleed a small amount of air and
smell the air.
Check for signs of welding, new under seat (soft), and tampering with bolts on mud
flaps.
Take an oblique look at the bodywork and roof for signs of adaption.
278.1 The search pair should search all contents, including the spare wheel, before removal
of items from the trunk or load carrying area. Once searched, these items should be placed to
one side. The search pair then searches the compartment as a pair, from the rear of the rear
seats to the number plate, top to bottom. Once the search is complete, the searchers should
replace everything. Areas of particular attention are listed below:
Check the fuel tank. Is it spare or false? Does the tank match the vehicle, age, etc? A
mechanic will be required to drain the tank.
Air filter
Light clusters
Bumpers
Mirrors
232
Welding/new undersea!
Oil pan
Wheel wells
Tubular frame
Fuel tank
goods without the vehicle owner's knowledge. Therefore, collection and delivery have to
be completed quickly, and concealment is likely to be in a readily accessible place.
(b) Goods
284. The goods may have no connection with the owner or driver of the vehicle. They
may only have the information contained on the consignment documentation. The
searching of a vehicle's load at other than its destination can present any problems, such
as customs, sealing, handling (especially when hazardous cargoes are involved), and
deterioration of cargo (refrigerated loads). The use of cross loading techniques may be
required.
(c) Passengers
285. The following points should be kept in mind when searching passenger carriers:
The majority of passengers are probably innocent and their patience is likely to be
severely strained by a lengthy search.
Point of Interest
286. Points of interest on a commercial vehicle are described below:
(a) Fifth Wheel
287. Most trailers are constructed in such a way that there is a hollow compartment above the
articulated joint where the trailer is connected to the tractor unit. This joint is commonly
known as the fifth wheel. Access may sometimes be gained underneath the trailer and can be
checked with a light and mirror. Fiber-optic instruments have been able to get into most of
the fifth wheel spaces. They are simple to use and more versatile than a light and mirror. In
some cases, the only way into the compartment is to remove the floorboards inside the trailer,
which are usually held down by two screws at each end. The spare wheel can be used as a
234
place of concealment and is unusually mounted under the trailer. Positions may vary.
289.1 Such searches tend to be complex operations with a number of features which
differentiate them from other search operations. Therefore, special planning and control
procedures have been developed for them. Some of these procedures may also be applied to
other large defensive search operations. The Site Coordinator (or a number of site
coordinators if there are different sites to be searched) will be designated as responsible for
the search operations.
VII.
Venue Search
290. A venue search is a defensive search operation mounted to assist in providing a safe
environment for an event or visit to take place. It forms part of the overall security operation,
which is controlled by the Security Coordinator. Such searches tend to be complex operations
with a number of features which differentiate them from other search operations. Therefore,
special planning and control procedures have been developed for them. Some of these
procedures may also be applied to other large defensive search operations. The Site
Coordinator (or a number of site coordinators if there are different sites to be searched) will
be designated as responsible for the search operation.
it is likely that team leaders will be involved in initial site survey and will hopefully be given
the opportunity for a familiarization tour or walk through before the search operation. A
venue search operation may cover the following:
The venue
Adjacent buildings
Surrounding areas
A number of issues may effect the operation, including time, manpower, costs, and
commercial interest. Political acceptability may even be a consideration.
(b) Planning
292. The leads times for planning can be very short, especially for events given little or no
prior publicity. For public events involving multi-agency activity, a minimum planning
period of eight weeks is not unusual extending up to a year for major planned national or
international events.
(c) Sectorization
293. Once the task is defined, it must be matched to the time and resources available. To
assist in this part of the planning and the subsequent organization and control of the
operations, it is usual to divide the overall location to be searched into a number of sectors,
which conform to natural boundaries in the location, such as the floors of a building or
possibly a wing of the building.
293.1 The sectors are normally designated alphabetically by a single letter starting at the
lowest level. The sectors are then sub-divided into sub-sectors; typically a room each subsectors becomes an individual search task. The sub-sectors are designated numerically
starting at the same end of each floor/sector level; thus each sub-sector has a unique
reference number, e.g. F/12. The sector and sub-sector boundaries are marked on the map of
building plan. The sector and sub-sector marking code must be logical so that it can be
followed in outline without reference to map or plan.
294. Search teams of all types should be matched to task which best suit their expertise and
equipment, with the most proficient being employed in the most vulnerable areas. The venue
can be divided into colored zones - red, amber, green - these being used as a flexible
planning aid. Search teams will not normally be told whether the area they are searching is
red, amber or green. This is to prevent complacency; however, as you become more
experienced, it will not be difficult for you to appreciate the color of the area you are in.
(A). Pre-searches
296. Pre-searches are conducted before the main search normally to save time and
resources during the main search. If appropriate, the following pre-searches may be
conducted:
237
Identify any vapour problem areas, which can be investigated as a matter of priority
during the main search phase.
Conduct all mechanical vapour sampling prior to the use of search dogs, as dogs and
their handlers are often contaminated with explosive vapour, which can cause false
readings with detection equipment.
Reduce the effects of long warm up times and equipment failures during the main
search phase.
298.1 The use of explosive vapour pre-search must be balanced against he likelihood of a
device being planted between it and the main search. The alternative is to conduct the
explosive vapour search as the first element of the main search.
resting prior to the deployment of the main body of search manpower. Any areas that are
searched in advance must be secured either by way of police cordoning or by sealing.
(d) Re tasking
303. If a search team is unable to complete a specific search task due to access being
unattainable, equipment malfunctioning, etc., then it is normally more efficient to use the retask procedure rather than have the team wait.
303.1 The search record referring to the incomplete sub-sector is marked as requiring a retask search, with a brief explanation of the reasons, and the search team moves on their next
task.
303.2 The search cell staff, on checking the search record, notes the incomplete sub-sector,
records it on the search bags, and re-tasks a team to search it when the difficulties have been
overcome. If possible, the original team should be re-tasked to complete the search.
Establishing of a cordon and access control points where personnel and vehicles that
have a legitimate reason for entering are searched.
If necessary, conducting maintenance searches (detailed below) within the area that
has been searched to confirm that it remains sterile.
239
Retaining sufficient search personnel on site to deal with any contingencies during the
vent, such as response to a threat call or change of event plan.
Maintenance Searches
305. There may be a need to carry out further searches after the main search has been
completed to ensure that the area remains clear. These are known as maintenance searches
and are particularly relevant where confidence in the access control system is not high.
Maintenance searchers are not normally required. As an example, maintenance searches may
be carried out on a daily basis or before a session is reconvened after a break. There must be
close liaison between those who carried out the initial search and those doing the
maintenance search for local knowledge and to ensure that an object discounted during initial
search does not cause alarm during the later search. If possible, such items should be
removed when first discovered.
Exit
306. The exit procedure at the end of the search is equally as important as the entry. The exit
procedure is outlined below and includes important principles:
Once everywhere has been searched and the occupants have been regrouped,
it is worthwhile for the team leader to mentally review what has occurred.
He should ensure that all procedural and documented activity up to that
point have been properly carried out, and exhibits have been properly
bagged, documented, and labeled.
The occupant accompanies the Team Leader and recorder for a final damage
Search Report and signed by both the occupant and the team leader.
As the final damage check is being conducted, the search pairs should
ensure all search equipment has been accounted for No rubbish or defective
or broken equipment (such as batteries) shoul remain on the premises once
the search has been completed.
The search team and attached officers leave the premises, and any cordon is
withdrawn.
Bomb Squad
307. A bomb squad has the following responsibilities:
240
Render safe and/or remove improvised explosive devices and incendiary chemicals.
Conduct legal and safe transportation, storage, and disposal of explosive materials.
Provide training.
Qualifications - Personnel being considered for admission into a bomb squad should
be tested through one of the personality tests. Candidates should score high in team
work traits with low supervision requirement.
Initial training - Candidates being considered should be given initial on the job
training to evaluate their ability to perform tasks assigned.
Formal training - After the candidate has successfully passed the initial job training,
formal training should be conducted.
In-Service - Skills learned during the formal training need to be continually applied
through in service training at regular intervals.
Operation Standards
308. Duties of Bomb Squad Officer on arrival
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Situation Assessment
309. Following consideration should be kept in mind
What is the maximum possible amount of explosives?
What is the probable effect (fire, gas leak, damage)?
Is evacuation adequate?
What assistance is needed?
What category is the incident and can it be reduced?
Where is the best approach route?
Hand entry procedures are not recommended and must be justified by the bomb
242
technician
o
Limit initial response on the suspect package to one properly equiped technician with a
minimum exposure time.
Rendering the item or situation safe may include the removal and/or transportation of
the item to a remote area.
Suspect items that are transported to a range for render safe procedures and/or disposal
no longer require emergency handling. Time is no longer a factor. Procedures used will
be remote. Exposure time will be held to an absolute minimum.
Public safety
Bomb squad response is a minimum of one two-man tea with essential safety
equipment.
Only bomb squad personnel or their designees will be permitted within the bomb
disposal operation area.
Task Orientation
313. The task performance will request following considerations :
o
Photographs should be taken of both scene and device components Preserve evidence
Fingerprints are one of the most important types of evidence and must be preserved.
Wire ends cut by the bomb technician should be taped and marked for the laboratory.
A detailed report of the incident should accompany the components to the laboratory.
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Do not accept the identification arks on the package on its face value.
h)
Do not use radio or wireless equipment in the vicinity of a suspicious object or bomb.
i)
j)
k)
Do not panic.
l)
m)
Cut off gas but electric supply should not be disturbed as it can detonate the
bomb/IED.
n)
o)
Inform the Bomb Disposal Squad or Police Control Room or nearest police Station or
concerned authorities.
c)
Evacuate all people from the area if suspicious object is detected and inform Police
Control Room. B.D. Squad and nearest Police Station.
d)
Report about the area and exact location where suspected object is found.
e)
f)
DON'Ts
317. Following Don'ts should be kept in mind.
a) Bunch up during operations.
b) Cut any wire unless the device is identified.
c) Panic, but remain cool.
d) Assume only one mine is planted.
e) Try to be a dead hero.
Wear proper protective clothing and breathing apparatus as determined by threat level.
Flamc-proof clothing
Acid protection
Fire extinguisher
246
Eye wash
Fire blanket
Water supply
247
Chapter 15
(i)
(ii)
to ensure that all functions immediately concerned with the visit of the Very
Important Personage and his movements pass off punctually and smoothly,
(iii)
to ensure that the public assembled on such occasions get full benefit of the very
important Personage's visit and,
(iv)
that normal tranquility and law and order at the place are fully preserved to ensure
that terrorist/extremist elements do not gain access to the Very Important Personage.
321.1 During such arrangements there should be least show of police force, however, full
protection to the VIP must be ensured and the functions should pass off smoothly and
peacefully. There should be no resentment of any kind in the public regarding the
arrangements made by the authorities.
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321.2 The objective of any such security arrangement should be to ensure that no danger or
harm, deliberate or accidental, from living beings or from inanimate objects is carried near to
the protected person, and that no person or object not confirmed to be safe or secure reaches
near the protected person. VIPs are often the target of extremist organisations, militant
terrorist groups, disgruntled individuals, mentally disturbed individuals etc. The two main
modes from where security threats can emanate are fire arms and various forms of explosive
devices including remote control devices. An alert and efficient security system only can
prevent the possibility of such danger penetrating security cover. Effective anti-sabotage
check and access control are useful factors in this regard.
ii.
Modern aids like explosive detectors, metal detectors are useful and must be
utilised for anti-sabotage checks. To ensure precautions against damage from
explosives a thorough anti-sabotage search and checking of the camp, venue,
route and transport should b conducted.
A. At the camp;
B. Journey by road;
C. Journey by train;
D. Journey by air;
E. Journey by steamer;
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F. Public functions;
G. Liaison with the security officers accompanying the VIP.
II. A Camp Commandant (of appropriate rank) corresponding to the status of the very
important personage may be designated. It will be the responsibility of the Camp
Commandant to be in overall charge of the place of stay and be in contact with the
concerned authorities/SPG/etc., wherever applicable.
III. The Police Officers on guard duty should be fully conversant with the correct method
of giving compliments and should have smart turn out. The guard should be posted in
such a manner that police are not very much in the public gaze, but are in a
commanding position to observe everything.
IV. Arrangements should be made for regulating and controlling a small crowd which
may gather near the residence. The constables doing this duty should be tactful, yet
firm, so that they can carry out their duty without giving offence and thereby causing
any embarrassment to the VIP. When laying out security arrangements at the
residence, attention should be paid to overhanging roofs, balconies or trees which
could be vantage points under certain circumstances.
V. Officers in plain clothes should be detailed for security duty, the number depending
upon the importance of the VIP, place of stay and other local conditions. Officers and
men should be deployed for duties in outer, inner and isolation cordons, wherever
necessary.
VI. Facilities should be arranged at the reception point and entry to the place for
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Pilots and escort should be provided according to scale. The security box consisting
of pilot car, VVIP car, escorts I & II, spare car should preferably be of the same make
and colour. Wherever required (as per scale) the main and the spare car should be
bullet-proof. Instructions given in various circulars as regards composition of the
Carcade for the President, Vice-president, Prime Minister and other dignitaries should
be complied with.
ii.
iii.
The flag rod for flying the National flag/party flag, depending on the nature of the
visit, should be fixed on the left side and not in the centre of the car bonnet.
iv.
An assessment of the time to be taken during road journey from place to place should
be carefully worked out. If the Carcade is likely to pass through areas with high-rise
buildings, these buildings should be identified and staff posted. All unmarked and
unattended vehicles on the route should be identified and action taken to remove
them. A thorough physical and anti-sabotage check of the route including culverts,
bridges, drains, etc., will be necessary all along the route. Contingency routes and
251
contingency hospitals and safe houses should be identified and the officers in the
Carcade should be briefed regarding these arrangements.
v.
Very often the VIP's passage is held up by enthusiastic crowd wanting to offer
flowers or to request him to participate in a short function. Such contingencies should
be anticipated by collection of intelligence and necessary security arrangements made
without display of unnecessary uniformed policemen. When, however, a VIP makes
an unscheduled halt, then the senior most police officer present at such places should
make such security arrangements as could be commanded in such circumstances.
vi.
The road, if it lies through a very heavily populated area and is of a considerable
length, should be divided into small sectors, each placed under the charge of an
officer with his staff who are responsible for maintaining order in that sector. The
officer should be constantly on the move, along the allotted sector.
vii.
The constable posted for the duty should be given a manageable sector depending
upon the anticipated crowd. It is his responsibility to control tactfully and with good
mood that portion of the crowd which is in his sector. The co-operation of elders and
responsible persons of the locality gathered there should be taken wherever possible
to ensure orderly and disciplined behaviour on the part of the crowd. When large
crowds gather along the route at certain places, strategic reserves should be kept to be
used for controlling sudden increase of crowd which cannot be held back by the
policemen already in the street.
viii.
Officers are not expected to work with mathematical exactitude; all the same, they
should avoid deploying too many policemen where very few are needed, or
requisitioning reserves when it is not necessary. It often happens that when the VIP
continues his journey through thick crowds, the younger and enthusiastic elements of
the crowd begin to run behind the VIP's vehicle either on the road immediately
behind the vehicle or on the sides of the road parallel to the vehicle. This is a very
undesirable tendency and should be stopped by the policemen and officers standing
along the route.
i.
The traffic points should be manned by traffic policemen as far as possible and
should be reinforced at very heavy cross-roads by drawing men from other
stations. No traffic should be stopped but should be regulated unless a stoppage
becomes inevitable for the security of the VIP and smooth running of his
programme. If traffic is to be stopped at the cross-road, the officer on duty should
see that the traffic is stopped just at the very last moment and when the stoppage
takes place, it should be at some distance away from the cross-road. Instructions
issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and concerned authorities from time to
time should be carefully followed. It may be necessary to declare certain streets
closed to certain types of traffic. This matter should be considered in advance and
decision taken. Also temporarily changing both-way traffic into one way has to be
considered. It generally happens that after the motorcade of the VIP has passed
the traffic arrangements are relaxed or almost given up. This causes great
hardship and inconvenience to other vehicular traffic which may be following or
which may be held up temporarily. This aspect should be borne in mind and
traffic should be controlled till the congestion is minimised and the normal traffic
conditions are restored.
ii.
While the V.I.P. passes through the rural areas, there may be slow moving traffic
due to carts etc, therefore, adequate arrangements such as driving them on to a
side, stopping them altogether or even unyoking the animals from the carts should
be made. There may be certain roads which are narrow and winding in nature and
hence stoppage of traffic particularly coming from the opposite direction may be
necessary. The police officer on duty should decide how long before the arrival of
the VIP's motorcade, the traffic should be stopped on either side so that the
oncoming traffic does not clash with the motorcade of the VIP. If there is traffic
coming from the opposite direction which could not be stopped, each such vehicle
coming from the opposite direction should be warned to keep to the extreme left
of the road particularly at blind corners.
VIP's train. This guard will be accommodated in a composite bogey which should
be placed next to the VIP's saloon. The concerned Superintendent of Police,
Railways will be responsible to ensure that the VIP performs a safe journey by
train and is protected from the attention of all unauthorized persons. The
assistance of the local police should be taken wherever necessary. The VIP's
saloon or compartment will be searched before the commencement of the journey
by the security staff. After the anti sabotage check and until the train leaves, one
sentry each on both the sides of the saloon to guard it should be posted. The
armed guard will remain alert and keep a careful watch on all sides of the VIP's
compartment.
ii.
At all halts, one armed guard each on the rear and offside of the VIP's saloon will
be posted. Unauthorized persons will be prevented from approaching the saloon
or the compartment. The crowd will be kept at a reasonable distance. When the
VIP travels by special train, the platforms of all railway stations where he does
not halt or alight should be kept clear.
iii.
At railway junctions or other large stations where the special train stops, the
Railway Police/ Sub-inspector of Police/ Inspector having jurisdiction will post
constables on the platform to augment the train guard to the extent necessary. If a
long halt is made at any station and the VIP continues to occupy the train on a
siding, the armed guard escorting the VIP will mount guard on the saloon
occupied by the VIP and the Railway Sub-inspector/Police Inspector having
jurisdiction will arrange relief. If the halt is only for a short time, say two or three
minutes, or if the train stops outside a station on account of signal or any other
cause, the guard will not be mounted at the saloon itself, but one constable will
take the position on each side of the compartment and look along the train
towards the saloon.
iv.
The Superintendent of Police, Railways, will be responsible for seeing that proper
police arrangements are made en route. He should be in touch with the district
police for augmentation of staff at stations of halts, interchange, arrival and
departure. Ordinarily, there should not be any patrolling of the railway track, but
when the Deputy Inspector General, Railways, or the Superintendent of the
254
v.
At stations of arrival and departure the local police will make security
arrangements outside the platform- The Railway police will see that the platform
exits and entrances are kept free from undesirable persons. The local police and
the Railway Police will be responsible for the VIP's security at all halting stations.
Escorts of High Personages will be relieved by the respective Railway Police
escorts when the VIP travels to different states.
Helicopter, guidelines laid down for construction of helipads should be complied with. All
precautions prescribed for journey by helicopter should be followed as stipulated.
A VIP's visit is generally associated with a public meeting. The nature and
255
magnitude of arrangements depend upon the status, prevailing condition and place
of such public meeting. These and all aspects connected with a public meeting
should be thoroughly examined and appropriate security and bandobust
arrangements made.
II.
The venue, date, time and duration of the meeting should be ascertained well in
advance. The organisers of the public meeting should be contacted and their full
co-operation secured. It is always advantageous to visit the place of public
meeting a few days in advance of the meeting and discuss all aspects of the
function with the organisers so that proper arrangements could be made not only
by the police but also by the organisers and other Government departments or
public bodies
III.
IV.
The seating of the VIP should be such that all those invited and others in the
assembly can have a clear view of the VIP. It is always desirable that the VIP's
seat is on a raised platform or rostrum and the distance between him and the
general crowd is such as to ensure the security and free movement of the VIP. If
guidelines so stipulate, a sterile area should be kept in front of the rostrum. This
rostrum should be under the protection of a guard from the time the programme
has been finalised. Rostrum should be subjected to thorough anti-sabotage check
of the number of persons who need to be near the rostrum should be determined
well in advance. Where the entry to a public meeting is not regulated by
256
invitations, the distance from the platform or the rostrum to the crowd should not
be less than 10 metres.
V.
VI.
The officers and men posted to control the crowd in such meetings should be
adequately familiarized with their duties. They should be tactful but firm. The
tendency to blow whistles and brandishing of lathies should be avoided. The
tendency of the police officers to congregate near the VIP should be deprecated
and each officer should stick to his sphere and sector of duty.
VII.
Sufficient and definite space should be allotted for parking cars and other vehicles
of not only VIP's and invitees but also of the general public. Separate parking
place for the VIP convey should be earmarked which should be guarded properly.
Arrangements for parking cars and vehicles should be such that the cars of and
other dignitaries could be summoned at a moment's notice.
VIII.
detailed for duty should be at their positions well in advance of the start of the
meeting. It is also desirable to check the bandobust arrangements a few hours
before the meeting for ensuring their proper implementation.
Arrangements
should also be made for a stand-by system of power supply both for the function
and public address system. Adequate number of fire extinguishers may be made
available at the venue of public meeting.
IX.
Frame Metal Detectors, Hand Held Metal Detectors etc., may be installed. In
257
addition to this staff may also be deployed for subjecting all persons attending the
function for physical check. Contingency planning should be made to meet any
emergent measures. An officer should be exclusively assigned for being in over
all charge and control of all the arrangements at the place of function.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Category
Scale of Security
I.
'X
II.
'Y'
(1)
III. 'Z'
IV
'Z' SPECIAL
(2)
(3)
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Chapter 16
Introduction
Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry in the Government of India. National
Disaster Management Authority has issued detailed guidelines for preparation of State
Disaster Management Plans including the role of State Disaster Management Authority /State
Executive Committee and the State department for disaster response. These guidelines
include vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, preventive measures, preparedness measures
and the response and Disaster specific Action Plan.
Past Initiatives
The High Powered Committee
The DM Act, 2005, mandates a paradigm shift from a response and relief-centric
approach, to a proactive, and comprehensive mindset towards DM covering all aspects from
prevention, mitigation, preparedness to rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.
261
National Vision
The national vision is a build a safer and disaster resilient India by developing a
holistic, proactive, multi-disaster and technology driven strategy for DM. This will be
achieved through a culture of prevention, mitigation and preparedness to reduce the impact of
disasters on people. The entire process will centre stage the community and will be provided
momentum and sustenance through the collective efforts of all government agencies
supported by Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs).
The DM Act mandates the NDMA to lay down policies and guidelines for the
statutory authorities to draw their plans.
The Role of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) State Executive
Committee(SEC) and the State Departments.
Section 23 of the DM Act, 2005 provides that there shall be a DM plan for every
state. It outlines the broad coverage of the plan aswell as the requirement of consultation in
the preparation of the state plans. It also provides for annual review and updating of the state
plan, and enjoins upon the state governments to make provisions for financing the activities
to be carried out under the state plans.
governments to draw up their own plans in accordance with the state plan. The state plans
shall be prepared by the SEC in conformity with the guidelines to be issued on related
matters by the SDMA having regard to the guidelines laid down in this regard by the NDMA,
and after such consultation with local and district authorities and the peoples representatives
as the SEC may deem fit. The state plan prepared by SEC shall be approved by the SDMA.
262
Ideally, state DM plans should be made after vulnerability assessment and risk
analysis of a state have been undertaken. Guidelines issued by the NDMA will also need to
be internalised in these plans. Even though this process has begun, it is likely to take some
time. It is felt that the preparation of plans cannot, and should not, await the outcome the
disaster risk analysis. On the basis of extant information and knowledge, a plan should be
formulated by every state and updated regularly adding fresh inputs on an ongoing basis.
Pending detailed micro-level vulnerability assessment and risk analysis, information as
currently available about the vulnerability profile of different areas of a state, including
information contained in the vulnerability atlas of India published by the Ministry of Urban
Development may be incorporated in the plan.
Vision
Theme
Objectives
A hazard profile of the state together with maps and details of zonation, if any,
undertaken. The district hazard profile in GIs format should also be included, if
available. The plan should also refer to emerging concerns such as urbanisation,
environment protection, population explosion etc.
Preventive Measures
Prevention and mitigation plans; short, medium and long term with structural and
non-structural measure required to be taken together with identification of nodal
department(s) for each activity.
This includes economic and social infrastructure like irrigation, power, drinking
water, sanitation, roads, buildings, schools and hospitals, housing, heritage
monuments, etc.
(i)
(ii)
How it is to be done?
(iii)
(iv)
By when?
Preparedness Measures
i.
Civil Defence.
ii.
Home Guards.
iii.
NCc
iv.
NSS
264
v.
NYK
vi.
vii.
viii.
Fire brigade
ix.
x.
Civil Police.
xi.
Media- electronic, print and through folk media, inter personal communication.
Awareness generation
Outline an effective GIS process for collecting and analyzing spatial data for
emergency management problem solving.
Techno-legal regime.
Knowledge management:
Arrange for the use of ICT tools and resources such as community service centres.
Response
The design of plans developed for immediate response which would be initiated on
trigger mechanism basis upon the occurrence of a calamity of extreme nature.
Disaster risk reduction framework, policy, act of the state/state road map for hazard
risk management.
The yearly schedule for the conduct of mock exercises for different disasters in
different parts of the state at specified locations.
The roles of academic institutions and scientific and technical organisations which
have an important function in DM may be spelt out from early warning to recovery,
together with names and designation of the nodal persons.
Media.
Financial Arrangements
Steps taken for the constitution of the Disaster Response Fund and Disaster
Mitigation Fund both at the state and district level which can also serve as a source
for funding of various activities as mandated by the DM Act, 2005.
Detailed SOPs of each department to make provision in its annual budget for funds to
carry out the activities set out in its own DM plan and role and responsibilities of all
other stakeholders.
Floods
Cyclone
Earthquakes
Landslides
Biological Disasters
Tsunami
The plan should include a schedule for submitting Action Taken Reports at prescribed
periodicity, confirming that their components have been duly updated.
Coordination and Implementation
The plan should explicitly spell out the cross-cutting nature of activities that
constitute DM and the vertical and horizontal linkages required between government
departments, scientific and technical institutions.
268
Chapter 17
269
387. The Superintendents of Police, in-charge of the divisions will be responsible for
collection and dissemination of information in their respective jurisdictions and they will
report to the Additional Director General of Police, Intelligence promptly all matters of
importance. Telephonic/wireless/fax messages should be followed by more detailed written
reports. The Superintendents of Police will also send reports on the various subjects
indicating their assessment of the events for the next fortnight.
The security wing has specially trained personnel drawn by deputation from other
branches of police and trained for the purpose of providing proximate security to
VVIPs. In the districts and the city plain-clothes personnel who are trained in
security duties provide security cover when the protected persons tour the State
and also to those who require protection in the district. A special group in the
271
various reserve police Units of the State is formed for providing guards as well as
uniformed gunmen.
ii.
The State security wing draws up the training programmes specifically in respect
of personal security of the VVIPs. These programmes are carried out either in the
Police Academy or in the other training institutions. The specialist support units
like the bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs' squads are also attached to the
wing. The detailed instructions and guidelines to be followed by the various
personnel providing security are drawn up and circulated by the security wing.
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Chapter 18
Unnatural Deaths
Introduction
393. Cases of unnatural deaths are shrouded by suspicion, and there is always a possibility of
some foul play behind such incidents. The circumstances leading to such deaths are
indicative of abnormal background and may also involve facts which may indicate
commission of some crime or the other. Such deaths may be of homicide, suicide or an
accidental type. These incidents of death are required to be handled carefully by the police.
Even the law provides special provisions for handling such cases. The police conduct inquiry
for ascertaining the reasons and circumstances leading to unnatural death for arriving at a
conclusion whether the death is homicide or suicide or it is due to some accidents.
A.
By committing suicide or
B.
C.
Has died under circumstance in which the death is suspected to be due to an offence
committed by another person.
Inquest Cases
395. Inquest should be conducted in the following cases:i.
Where the case involves suicide by a woman within seven years of her marriage; or
273
ii.
Where the case relates to the death of a woman within seven years of her marriage in
any circumstances raising a reasonable suspicion that some other person committed
an offence in relation to such woman; or
iii.
Where the case relates to the death of a woman within seven years of her marriage
and any relative of the woman has made a request in this behalf; or
iv.
In cases of custodial deaths. The officer in-charge of the Police Station shall get the
Inquest proceedings conducted by the Executive Magistrate and if the investigation
reveals such death was caused due to harassment for dowry; all such cases should be
investigated by the Dy.S.P. Having jurisdiction till the cases are taken over by the
COD for further investigation.
v.
vi.
Where the police officer for any other reason considers it expedient so to do, the
investigating officer shall, subject to such rules as the State Government may
prescribed in this behalf, forward the body, with a view to its being examined, to the
nearest Civil Surgeon, or other qualified medical man appointed in this behalf by the
State Government, if the state of the weather and the distance admit of its being so
forwarded without risk of such putrefaction on the road as would render such
examination useless.
vii.
viii.
On arrival at the place where the body of the deceased is lying, the officer making
the investigation will prevent the destruction of evidence as to the cause of death;
prevent crowding round the body and the obliteration of footsteps or other traces
or marks before disturbing the body. The IO will arrange to take its photographs
and its immediate surroundings, if the nature of the case warrants such action and
274
would note carefully, the location of the body, the position of the limbs, the
condition of the wearing apparel and will also preserve hair, skin, Fibres, etc.,
found on the body.
ii.
If a Medical Officer or superior Police Officer is available near the scene and is
immediately expected to arrive, it is advisable to keep the body without altering
its position until his arrival. When the Investigating Officer reaches the spot and if
it is night and postponement of investigation over the dead body involves the risk
of putrefaction, the investigation over the dead body should be conducted in the
night itself with the help of petromax or other bright lights and any investigation
conducted in the night checked up in the morning by observation.
The inquest must be held in the presence of two or more respectable inhabitants
should be summoned under Section 175 Cr.P.C. by an order in writing who
appear acquainted with the apparent cause of death and the dead body should be
examined in the presence of panch witnesses.
ii.
While examination the body the following points must be noted in the inquest
report:-
iii.
275
Preservation of corpse
404. All fresh bodies should be preserved in cold storage. If such facility is not available they
277
should be kept on ice blocks. In the absence of ice blocks it should be placed up on a layer
of powdered charcoal from which it is separated by a cloth. A cloth with another layer of
charcoal should then cover it. The whole body being covered by another cloth and a mat.
After the post mortem examination, unless there are orders to the contrary, the police shall
hand over the body to the relatives or friends of the deceased. In their absence they shall
arrange for the disposal of dead body.
Unidentified Bodies
405. If a body is unidentified the IO shall take the following steps:
i.
Take Photographs (face, lateral and length wise) of the deceased through which body
can be identified. If face is smudged due to bloodstains etc., one photograph is taken
as such and another photograph after cleaning the face, for identification purpose.
ii.
Find out whether the dead body is of a Hindu or a Muslim Search for identification
marks, tattoo marks, tailor marks and any physical deformity or any physical
peculiarities.
iii.
Search for tyre marks or other incriminating evidence in and around the dead body to
ascertain whether the body was brought from outside and thrown at the scene or
otherwise.
iv.
Inform the local press to publish photo and also the local cable T.V. network to
broadcast the news. Send photographs and descriptive particulars to all SHOs of
bordering P.Ss and those P.Ss where there is reason to identify the body. The same
should also be published in the district crime and occurrence sheet and in criminal
intelligence gazette. Send a detailed message to all the Circle Inspectors of the
District, besides sending a copy of message to bordering CIs / SDPOs and SsP
concerned to inform whether any men / women missing cases were reported prior to
noticing the dead body.
v.
Take fingerprints as per the procedure. If the body is putrefied, address letter to
Medical Officer to preserve alt the 10 phalanges so that FPs could be taken. Send
Finger Prints to the concerned District Finger Print Bureau and State Finger Print
Bureau to locate the person if he / she is having any criminal record.
278
vi.
vii.
Death in Jails
407. In all cases of death in jails the inquest and inquiry should be made by a magistrate in
terms of Jail manual.
Attested copies of FIR, inquest reports, postmortem and wound certificates and
the statements of witnesses if any.
279
B. In motor accident cases the report of the Motor Vehicle inspector relating to the
damage of the Vehicle, copies of Certificates of Insurance, Certificate of
Registration, Driving Licence and Fitness Certificate.
C. Charge sheets or final reports.
D.
These documents may be furnished free of cost to the voluntary agencies, legal
aid committees and legal service authorities also if they take up the cause of the
victims.
Suspected poisoning
2.
Hanging or strangulation
A.
Before cutting or removing note the strangulating medium, lividity of face, lips and
eyelids, state of the tongue whether enlarged or protruded, flow of any fluid from the
mouth or nostrils.
B.
Note the state of the neck, whether there are any marks, state of the thumbs whether
crossed over the palm.
3.
A. Note for marks of blood around the mouth or sides of the well or tank
B. State of the skin whether smooth or rough and any external marks of injury
C.
Note the condition of the hands and feet. Sand or weeds under nails if any should be
removed and preserved.
4.
In the case of exposed infant, note the state of umbilical cord and any marks of
violence. Examine the skull for any fracture
D. If the sex is not definite seize and collect the Jaw and the bones of the Pelvis and
samples of skin.
E. If the body is burnt, collect the pieces of bones and shes
5.
2.
Independent witnesses of the locality must act as panchayatdars and they must be
present all through the inspection of the IO.
3.
4.
5.
The description of clothes found on the body and the exact place of blood or stains
found should be noted.
If any article is seized packing and sealing shall be done on the spot,
7.
Every detail touching the apparent cause of the death shall be recorded.
8.
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Chapter 19
Correspondence
Introduction
411. Communication is fundamental to official working and functioning. The official
communication can be oral or in writing. The communication made in writing is called as
correspondence in official parlance. Correspondence should be simple, clear, cogent and
effective. There are some formal rules which are required to be observed while making
official correspondence. Some of the general rules of correspondence are mentioned
herewith.
The name as well as the official designation of an officer should be set out at the
head of every letter or proceedings issued by him or from his office. Every
correspondence should be duly signed by the concerned officer. However, an
authorized subordinate officer may sign it, once the draft of the letter or
proceedings has been approved on the file. The use of facsimile signature stamps
in lieu of manual signature in regular correspondence is forbidden. Official
documents should be signed in a uniform and legible manner. Initials and full
signatures should always be dated, with the year as well as the date and month
being shown on each correspondence.
ii.
Complete address of the addressee should be written including the pin code. In
case a particular officer has to see the letter, the letter should be addressed to the
concerned office but caption added on the first page of the letter as: Kind Attn: Sri
(Name) just below the official address. Wherever it is urgent and necessary to
seek orders from DGP Office in any matter, Unit Officers should write letter and
sent it in name cover to the concerned Officer dealing with the subject in DGP,
Office.
iii.
iv.
The postage for all letters dispatched by Government officers in their official
capacity in reply to communications of any kind received from private individuals
or associations should be at government cost.
Classification of Correspondence
414. The official correspondence can be classified broadly as follows :A. Top Secret - This marking is reserved for papers containing information of such a
nature that for reasons of national security, it must only be disclosed to persons whose
duty makes it essential that they should have knowledge of it. Such papers include
references to current or future military operations, impending movements or
dispositions of the armed forces and shipping and secret methods of warfare, to
matters of high political policy and to methods of secret intelligence and cyphers.
B. Secret - This marking is reserved for papers other than those marked tcs secret which
are of such a nature that their disclosure to persons other than those whose duty is to
have knowledge of them, would cause administrative embarrassment or difficulty or
would be helpful to the enemy, without being gravely dangerous to the national
interest.
C. Confidential - This marking is reserved for papers containing information the
circulation of which is desirable to restrict, for administrative reasons and which do
284
not disclose such vital information as to warrant their inclusion in the secret category.
D. Private - It means, not to be placed in an official file or referred to in official
correspondence'. Papers so marked should be kept by the recipient so long as they are
required and then destroyed.
E. Personal - It means not to be opened by any one except the officer named on the
cover and to be returned to the sender if the addressee is not available.
The Precautions
415. All Top Secret' 'Secret' and 'Confidential' papers should invariably be sent in double
covers The Security marking should be indicated on the inner cover only (and not on top
cover) and should be properly sealed and addressed by name to the officer for whom it is
intended The top cover should bear only the official address. If sent by hand delivery through
an assistant or a clerk only a single cover may be used in which case the cover should be
carefully sealed and clearly marked with the correct name, address and security marking.
When such papers are sent by a messenger they should be closed in double covers. Economy
labels should not be used on the inner covers containing Top Secret, Secret and 'Confidential'
documents. They should be used on outer covers only.
opened
whom they are intended or by an officer who is dealing with his work in his absence. 'Secret'
or 'Confidential papers should be opened only by the officer for whom they are intended or
by the officer who has been authorised to do so or who is looking after the work in his
285
absence. In no case should such papers be opened by an officer other than a superior officer.
I. Officers of and below the rank of Inspector in the Intelligence shall not
communicate, any record or information of the type described above to any
Police Officer other than the Superintendent, or an officer of higher rank, if any
of these officers require it.
II. Officers of and below the rank of Inspector in the Criminal Investigation
Department shall not communicate any record or information of the type
described above to any Police Officer, other than the Superintendent, or an
officer of higher rank, if either of these officers require it.
III. Officers of and below the rank of Inspector in the district police shall not
communicate any record or information of the type described above to any
police officer, other than a superior officer of the district in which they serve if
such an officer requires the information. Any superior police officer who is in
possession of any record or information of the type described above shall not
communicate it to any police officer, other than his immediate superior officer,
if that superior officer calls for it. For the purpose of this order, the Deputy
Inspector General and above of the State Intelligence or Deputy Inspector
General and above of the Criminal Investigation Department, Bangalore will be
regarded as the immediate superior of a Superintendent, so far as information
relating to matters coming within the purview of the Intelligence or the criminal
investigation department is concerned.
IV. No record or information which relates to, or which leads or may lead to the
discovery of the identity of any Police Officer who has obtained or may obtain,
any secret information or who is or has been employed or who may be
employed on any secret enquiry shall be communicated by a Police Officer to
286
another Police Officer, other than his own immediate superior Gazetted Officer,
if such superior officer requires such record or information.
V. No record or information which relates to, or which leads or may lead to the
discovery of the identity of any source from which or of any agent or
information from whom any secret information has been or may be obtained
and no-record or information which relates to, or which leads or may lead to the
discovery of, the identity of any Police Officer who has obtained or may obtain
any secret information, or who is or has been employed on any secret enquiry
shall be communicated by any Police Officer, otherwise than as provided in the
preceding orders to any person except under the specific orders of the Director
General & Inspector General of Police which should be obtained in each case.
Greatest care shall be exercised to avoid exposure when the source of
information has to be transmitted to another Police Officer. Original report or a
copy of any original report shall not be transmitted. Either the substance should
be communicated or the report paraphrased.
The State Intelligence as well as the CID may communicate secret information to such
persons, other than members of the police force within the State as are approved by the
Government, lists of whom shall be maintained in the State Intelligence and the CID
respectively. In urgent cases, the Heads of the State Intelligence and CID may, in
anticipation of approval of the DG & IGP, communicate such information relating to their
respective departments to members of a police force outside the State other than those
mentioned in the approved lists.
ii.
iii.
the case may be. In urgent cases, however, the Superintendents, may, in anticipation of
approval, communicate such information to an officer of corresponding or higher rank in a
police force outside the State, either in response to an enquiry from such officer or on his
own initiative when the delay caused by communicating through the usual channel is
likely to be prejudicial to the peace and security of the district concerned or the area to
which the secret information is to be sent.
i.
a) the matter forming the subject of the communication is at the stage of discussion and
has not reached any official finality;
b) the writer wants to express his personal views on any subject without allowing them
to be treated as his final conclusions or opinions;
c) the writer desires that the contents of the communication should not be given any
publicity beyond communication to the addressee; or
d) the writer wishes to elicit the individual views or opinions of the addressee and
desires it to be understood that such views or opinions will not be treated as final
decisions or opinions.
ii.
status, he should be addressed as 'Dear Sri (name) if the addressee is one outside the
department and is well acquainted, he may be addressed as 'Dear (name)'.
While
addressing District Magistrate, ordinarily, 'Dear Sri (name), should be used unless the
officers are well known to each other in which case they may address as 'Dear (name)'.
Official Correspondence
422. All correspondence to the superior officers should be addressed by means of letters
which should contain the following salutations:
(a)
(b)
(c)
The subject-matter and the reference, if any, should invariably be noted in all
letters.
(d)
MODEL
From,
To,
(Designation)
(Designation
No.........................
Date...............................
Sir,
290
of
the
officer)
Subject
:- .
Medical practitioners (except those who hold military ranks) whether in the service of
291
the government or otherwise, should be addressed by the courtesy title of 'Dr. before their
names and with their degrees and service (in the case of Government servants) added at the
end.
A letter or petition duly stamped in accordance with the law on the subject or
where there is no such legal requirement, postage stamps are affixed, should be
acknowledged within 24 hours of the receipt of the letter/petition. The
acknowledgment should indicate the reference number in the office to enable all
future correspondence to be addressed. IGP Grievances Cell/ or PRO in his
absence, in the case of Director General & Inspector General and Heads of
Offices in other subordinate offices who receive the communication will be
responsible for issuing the acknowledgment.
ii.
When a communication is received in an office, and the subject matter is such that
it should be sent to another office for disposal, it should immediately be
forwarded to the concerned office and the petitioner should be informed of it
while sending him an acknowledgment. When petitions are presented to Ministers
while on tour, they may be handed over to the local officers concerned for
necessary action. The officers receiving such petitions should take immediate
action to acknowledge them in the following manner.
a) Acknowledgment should not be granted in the following cases :b) Applications for appointment, but when the application is in response to an
advertisement, the application may be acknowledged;
c) Applications repeating a request already disposed of and when the applicant has been
told that further representations will not be considered;
d) Applications couched in improper, impolite or scurrilous language neither may nor be
acknowledged.
e) When only copies of communications addressed to other offices are received, except
when a communication received from a superior authority specifically asks for an
acknowledgment neither may nor be acknowledge.
292
iii.
The acknowledgment may normally be in the prescribed printed card and the
officers may, at their discretion, send acknowledgments in the letter form also. All
communications other than the initial acknowledgment to non-officials including
applicants and petitioners should invariably be in the form of a letter.
Applications should be read carefully and dealt with promptly, expeditiously and
satisfactorily. If delay in their disposal is likely to occur, the applicants should be
informed suitably. It should be borne in mind that the public have a right to expect
promptness, courtesy and care in the disposal of applications sent by them.
i.
ii.
The Unit Officers should maintain a special register in this behalf showing the
date of receipt of the letter from the Member of Legislature or Parliament, date of
issue of acknowledgement, further stages of the case and the date of issue of final
reply. This register should be reviewed once a month personally with a view to
verifying that prompt action is taken at all stages. All sections of the chief office
should likewise maintain the special register in each section and the registers
should be put up before the Director General or chief of the section every month
for his perusal.
iii.
(d) The information does not relate to individual cases, whether of government servants or
otherwise;
(e)
Information on question does not involve a statement of opinion or general policy will
not be furnished.
i.
ii.
All routine and urgent references relating to information collected by the criminal
investigation department may be sent direct to Government by the Director
General, CID, Training, Special Units & Economic Offences, copies being
simultaneously forwarded to the Director General of Police. References on
important and policy matters should be submitted to the Director General of
Police and replies sent to Government either direct or through the Director
General of Police according to the nature of correspondence.
ii.
directly (e.g., a Minister may give certain directions orally during an inspection) , it is
the responsibility of the officer who receives the instructions to reduce such
instructions to writing and send a copy thereof to his official superior, with a request
to address the Secretary in the administrative department concerned through the
Director General of Police to get those instructions confirmed in writing. This should
be done promptly on the day the instructions are given or at least on the following
day.
ii.
When questions which rose on the floor of the Legislative Assembly or Council are
referred to the Director General of Police, he should immediately furnish the required
information if the information is available in his office. Where information has to be
collected from subordinate officers, the Director General of Police will send copies of
the question to the unit officers not below the rank of Superintendent of Police who
should furnish draft replies, a note to answer supplementary and any other relevant
information to the Director General at once or within the time-limit specified, as the
case may be. The Director General will prepare a draft reply to the question (s) along
with a note for replying possible supplementary and furnish the same to the
Government within the prescribed time-limit.
iii.
If the questions are sent to the officers direct by Government i.e. Addl. DG of Police,
IG of Police, DIG of Police or Superintendents of the districts and other unit officers,
etc.) such officers should furnish the replies to the Director General and Inspector
General of Police, who will send the reply to the Government promptly after
examining the same.
iv.
Whenever the information is called for by fax with a view to avoid any possible delay
the replies should also be furnished by fax.
v.
Similar action should be taken in sending replies to Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
questions.
295
vi.
If, in spite of the best efforts, it is not possible to furnish a reply within the prescribed
time-limit, an interim reply should be sent to the Government specifying the timelimit within which the reply could be sent, with specific reasons for the delay. This
procedure may be adopted only in exceptional cases.
vii.
i.
ii.
The Indian Union has its own diplomatic representatives in foreign countries
including Pakistan. It is not permissible for Police Officers to enter into direct
correspondence with their counterparts or with private companies, investors or
manufacturers in such foreign countries. All correspondence intended for such
persons in foreign countries must be routed through the Director General of Police,
296
All references about the political crimes and all other references about policies and
general information must, be routed through the Director, Intelligence Bureau,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
iii.
iv.
The police authorities in India on the one hand and foreign countries on the other
have to correspond in routine matters relating to the control of emigration or
investigation of specific crimes of non-political nature, such as murder, dacoity,
robbery, burglary, etc., through the Interpol unit of CBI.
v.
Any information required by any foreign police force concerning police in India
should not be furnished direct; but the information together with a copy of the letter
received should be sent to the Director General of Police for onward transmission
through the Director, Intelligence Bureau, and Government of India. On no account
should such information be furnished direct.
vi.
297
iii.
Radio Messages
434. All officers issuing "Confidential" or "Secret" radio messages should mark them
"Secret." The transmitting radio station will then transmit such message promptly. After
noting only a gist of relevant particulars in the log books, if necessary the message may be
kept with them for 24 hours for purposes of verification. Thereafter it should be returned
intact to the originator for record. The receiving station, after receiving the message, should
check it back with the transmitting station and then deliver the original copy itself to the
addressee without retaining any copy. The receiving station will make only a very brief entry
in the log book omitting the text of the message. Secret matters, which even the operators
need not known, should be sent in code.
To,
District Magistrate
299
(ABC.............)
Encl: As above
Copy to:
Savingram
438. Telegrams should not be sent and trunk telephone calls should not be made in cases
where letters would serve the purpose. All urgent references should be marked "Immediate"
and sent by speed post. Officers receiving them should deal with them most expeditiously as
though they were telegrams. Telegrams should be sent only in exceptional cases. To draw the
immediate attention of the recipients, Savingrams may also be sent. "Savingram" is the name
given to a communication sent by post but intended to be treated as if it were a telegram. It
will be worded just like a telegram, written or typed on a sheet of paper and sent to the
addressee by post, thereby saving telegraph charges. The recipient of a "Savingram" should
attend to it as he would do to a telegram. He will send his reply either by an "Immediate"
letter or by "Savingram". Savingrams can also be sent by Fax network of Police
Communications or through e-mail.
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Chapter 20
Traffic Duties
Introduction
440. Smooth flow of traffic, safe and secure vehicular and pedestrian movements have
become basic to the modern living because of concentration, congestion, road jams and
varied types of movements of vehicles and human beings on the roads. Safe, secure and
smooth flow of traffic has become inevitable conditions of overall progress, prosperity and
development of human existence today. Even investments, setting up of new units, industrial
growth, corporate expansion etc., now depend to a large extent, in addition to other factors,
on the positive or negative traffic condition available in a particular area. Smooth and
effective traffic regulation, positive and safe road conditions, driving time and overall road
security scenario have became an integral part of the emerging trends of traffic managements
today. The police, nay, the traffic police have an onerous duty to perform all these duties in
an efficient manner.
Co-ordination Aspects
442. While regulation and enforcement is the major preoccupation of the traffic police, they
have to liaise with the local Municipal authorities, Urban Development Authorities, Roads
and Building agencies etc for continuously updating the road surface, geometrics and
302
accessories like signals, islands, railings, dividers, flyovers, underpasses etc. etc.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
Prompt arrival at the scenes of road accidents, guarding the scene, rendering first aid
and shifting the injured to the hospital, intimating to the L&O Police and assisting
them in the investigation of the cases.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
xiv.
xv.
xvi.
Take special care of school children, old or blind or handicapped persons and others
at road crossings and peak traffic points
xvii.
xviii.
Advice the local bodies and other authorities for erection of road signals, road
painting and other matters connected with traffic engineering
xix.
Organize road safety education, awareness and training for drivers, road users, public,
students and other stake holders.
xxi.
Traffic police station should be established in all Commissionerate cities and "A"
grade municipalities and in other places depending on the necessity. Each police
station shall be equipped with a mobile wireless vehicle for patrolling purposes. A
Highway patrol vehicle shall have staff consisting one SI, one HC and 1 or 2
Constables. The vehicle should be equipped with public address system,
searchlights, first aid kit and shall have clear markings indicating the area and
identity of the mobile. A certain number of motorcycles with necessary
communication equipment shall be provided for each police station to enable
mobile patrolling on two wheelers. A traffic police station should be normally
located in a separate building equipped with all communication facilities in the
same manner as ordinary police station. The recovery vans (cranes) and other
equipment needed for clearing of obstructions is provided in large cities and at
other important places.
ii.
The traffic and highway police stations should be under the control of a DSP in
the districts. In large cities where numbers of traffic police stations are more an
independent SP or a Deputy Commissioner of Police should head the Traffic
Branch. Adequate staff equipments and facilities looking to the quantum of work
and work load should be made available to the traffic police in accordance with
the need, necessity and demands of the traffic duties.
304
445.1 The location of the traffic and highway police station should be determined on the
extent of the highway to be patrolled and the regulation of traffic in large towns. The location
should be determined also on the basis of nodal traffic points and the need for setting up of
police check-posts during emergencies.
The traffic police station shall maintain all the records relating to personnel and
management of station in the same manner as prescribed for ordinary police
stations. The important records are general diary, duty roster, traffic point books,
petty case register, MV Act cases register, challan book, small service books,
process register, a map of the area and accident prone areas, the general
information book etc. The mobile patrolling teams should maintain apart from the
log books, a point book similar to beat book in which all matters connected with
mobile patrolling and incidents are recorded.
ii.
All other schedule of duties and managements as prescribed for civil police
station apply to the traffic PS. Any person approaching traffic police with a
cognizable case should be helped to contact the nearest police station without
delay taking such action as may be necessary to safeguard the scene of occurrence
and shifting of the injured to the hospital.
iii.
station.
II.
III.
Each accident causing death or personal injury is counted as one accident only
irrespective of the number of persons killed or injured thereby. An accident in
which more than one vehicle is involved is also counted as one accident only.
Accident in which only the driver or the rider is injured or killed should also to be
included in the report.
IV.
prepare a sketch
measurements.
b) Tyre impressions- For determining their make, condition, size and the direction of
movement.
c) Dirt and debris from impact - For comparison with the dirt from the under surface of
the suspected vehicle.
d) Chipped flakes of paint and enamels - For comparison with samples from the
suspected vehicle.
306
handle
307
2. Preserve any foreign matter present in the wound; note carefully marks, such as tyre
marks, grill marks, if on the person or his clothing. Take samples of blood and urine of
the deceased, if any along with sample of hair from the head of the deceased, if any, and
any foreign matter found on clothing and note loss of buttons and signs of tears, etc.
Preserve clothing of the deceased or injured which should be searched for flakes of glass,
traces of paints, traces of metal, blood or any other stains, dirt and debris which should be
carefully preserved. Such clothing should be dried naturally and not by using heat, before
packing.
2. The inside of the vehicle should also be searched for presence of material from the other
vehicles involved having been thrown inside through the window, etc. at the time of
impact. Broken portion of the vehicle found at the scene or on the route should be
preserved for comparison. These should also be photographed, if possible.
308
3. Stains of blood, etc. should be scraped and collected. Hairs and fibres sticking to the
vehicle should also be collected. Sometimes pattern marks of clothing of the victim are
produced on the area of impact. These should be photographed. Dents and scratches can
provide valuable clues to find out the nature of impact and should be closely examined.
4. The presence on the vehicle of vegetation and soil typical of the scene will fix its identity.
The understructures should be examined for evidence of contact with the victim.
Mechanical examination by the Motor Vehicle Inspector should be done to find out
defects.
Examination of Driver
448. The Driver of the vehicle should be examined for drunkenness, disease or any bodily
infirmity which affects his driving. All the documents and the past record of the driver should
also be examined.
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Chapter 21
Inspection
Introduction
449. Observation, assessment and evaluation of the work and performance for analyzing the
quality, quantity and standard of work and performance, are necessary to provide speed and
dynamism to the functioning of any organization. Inspection is such a tool by which the
seniors not only observe the working of their subordinates, but they also make an evaluation
of the positive and negative aspects of the their performance. Inspection, thus, becomes and
effective mechanism of feed back and follow up with regard to working and performance of
any unit and its personnel. Inspection, as an effective and efficient supervisory style for
organizational development, personnel growth and performance evaluation, should be used
and utilized on a regular basis with objectivity and without any prejudice, bias and preconceived notions. It should not be used only as a fault finding technique. It should rather be
utilized as a sound system for arranging removal of errors and as a positive set of guidance
for better performance in future.
Scale of Inspections
451. The heads of offices are required to make a detailed inspection of their offices at least
once a year to ensure that their offices are functioning properly and efficiently. In addition,
the officers should inspect every year in detail the police stations and the offices of their
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subordinates in accordance with the scale prescribed from time to time. The govt. and the
D.G. of Police will prescribe the scale of inspections, the inspecting authorities, and the
mode of inspection of their related matters. The inspections should also be supplemented by
surprise checks and visits, with a view to ensuring that the defects pointed out at the time of
inspection have been rectified and that there is general improvement in the standard of work.
II.
Inspection should be properly spaced out and spread over the year or half-year, as
the case may be, particularly the first ten months (or five months) in the year (or
half-year) leaving the last two months (or one month) for unforeseen and urgent
work. The inspecting officer should make sufficiently long halts and conduct
detailed inspections. For this purpose, the inspecting officers should chalk out
regular programme of inspections during the ensuing year well in advance and
adhere to it.
III.
Each Superintendent or unit officer, as the case may be, should finalize his
programme of inspection and obtain the approval of the concerned Zone
Inspector General by the 15th of December and send copies to the Director
General. While finalizing the programme of inspections, care should be taken by
the Superintendent or the unit officer concerned to see that the inspection of the
same office/police station/unit by more than one officer do not fall on the same
day or at the same time. There should be a reasonable gap between two
inspections of the same unit.
IV.
V.
VI.
All the police officers should be present in ceremonial uniform during the
inspection unless otherwise ordered by the inspecting officer.
The S.P. in order to enable the Director General/ADG to gauge the general
situation of a district should supply information in the prescribed Performa. The
Director General/ADG may direct the Superintendent to prepare such additional
statements as he may require for his inspection.
II.
The other officers whose units or offices are inspected should keep such
information as is necessary and as may be required for purposes of inspection.
III.
During his inspection visit to the headquarters of a district, the Director General
will inspect the police at a ceremonial parade. The parade should be arranged on a
convenient day so that maximum numbers of officers are available.
IV.
V.
After the ceremonial parade is over, the officers and men may be tested in such
drill, use of arms and training exercises as the inspecting officer decides. For this
purpose all accessories used in training and drill should be kept handy for being
used. Armoury, stores and the entire fleet of police motor transport in the district
should be available for his inspection.
VI.
All officers of and above the rank of Sub-Inspectors, including those working in
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the Railway Police, Wireless, and other police units stationed at the place of
inspection and Inspectors and above stationed in other parts of the district should
be called to meet the Director General/ADG during his inspection/visit to the
headquarters of a district.
VII.
Arrangements should be made so that MLAs, MLCs and MPs of the district and
such officials and non-officials as may desire may meet the DGP. During the
inspection visits to the headquarters and other places of the district, the Director
General will meet as many retired police officers as would like to meet him.
VIII.
Zone Inspector General/Range DIG should spend at least one week for the
inspection of the District, Armed reserve and all branches of the office of the
Superintendent, the office of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, the Circle Police
Offices and the Police Stations in the district headquarters. He should, in addition,
spend sufficient time for inspection of other police stations in the district.
II.
The same police stations and circle offices should not be inspected repeatedly
year after year but should be taken in rotation. The inspection of the Range
Inspector General should be thorough and should cover all aspects of police
work. The one item of inspection in a district should be ceremonial parade. After
the ceremonial parade, the parade could be broken up into small units and a
particular unit directed to perform a particular drill. He should pay particular
attention to the standard maintained regarding P.T., assault course, obstacle
course, lathi drill, guards and escort duties, mob-control and fitness exercises.
Superior officers, Police Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors should be tested for their
ability to take parade, impart instructions and command the men under them.
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III.
The armoury, stores and motor transport should be inspected in detail. The
inspection of District Police Office should be a detailed one covering the work of
all branches including accounts and establishment.
special branch, DCIB and district crime record bureau, he should review the state
of crime, the collection and filing of special branch/ intelligence wing.
IV.
The Inspecting Officer should inspect all the personal and confidential files and
sheets maintained by the Superintendent including confidential and secret
documents. The Inspector/Deputy Inspector General should pay particular
attention to the maintenance of discipline, speedy disposal of departmental
proceedings. Award of adequate punishments and prompt rewarding of those who
have done good work are some of the points which should be examined
thoroughly. Police buildings and lines should be inspected with a view to
ensuring their proper maintenance. Due attention to the welfare activities
organized for the benefit of police officers and their families should be given
proper and judicious use of the benevolent fund should be ensured.
V.
All officers of and above the rank of Sub-Inspectors including those working in
the Railway Police, Police Wireless, and other police units stationed at the place
of inspection and Inspectors and above, stationed in other parts of the district
should be called to meet the Range Inspector General during his inspection/visit
to the headquarters of the district. Arrangements should be made for the Range
Inspector General to meet MLAs, MLCs, and MPs residing in the district and
such officers and non-officials as may desire to meet him. During the inspection
visits to the headquarters and other places of the district, the Range Inspector
General will meet as many retired police officers as would like to meet him. It is
not necessary for the Superintendent or the Deputy Superintendent to be present
during the inspection by the Range Inspector General except at the headquarters
of the district or sub-division, as the case may be.
VI.
district. Copies of inspection notes of police stations and units will be sent to the
Superintendent and the office concerned for compliance of instructions issued in
the notes within a period of one month.
455.1 The Superintendent should take the opportunity of visiting some of the villages
including colonies of Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, meeting and addressing the
local people, acquainting himself with the conditions obtaining in those villages, and
devising ways and means of improving the law and order situation in the villages. It is
especially important that the approach to the people should always be marked by a polite and
helpful attitude. In cases where there are complaints from villagers, particularly in regard to
harassment or unnecessary interference by members of the police force, prompt action
should be taken to investigate them and punish the miscreant. Beat villages, which are crime
centres or where there are factions or criminals, should receive the special attention of the
Superintendent.
455.2 The Superintendent must inspect one or two branches of his office every quarter and
complete the inspection of the whole office during the year. He must record his reports in the
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visiting book maintained in his office for the purpose. The stores, armoury and motor
transport should be inspected in detail once a year.
455.3 While inspecting the district special branch and district crime record bureau and the
DCIB he should examine the state of crime as a whole in the district and the special branch
work turned out by the district special branch.
455.4 He should take with him the personal confidential sheets of head constables and
constables during the police station inspection. He should also test each head constable and
police constable and write his remarks in their sheets.
455.5 As and when the inspection of a police station or office is completed he should send
copies of inspection notes within a week of the inspection to the range IGP/Deputy Inspector
General and to the concerned officers for compliance and report within a period of one
month.
456.1 His inspection of police stations and outposts should be a detailed one. He should halt
at the police station under inspection at least for three complete days to enable him to get a
thorough grasp of local conditions and crime and acquire a full knowledge of his
subordinates. If the inspection of a police station is interrupted either due to his being
required to visit a scene of heinous crime or other law and order duties he should resume his
inspection work and ensure that he spends the required number of days at the place of
inspection. The three days halt prescribed is the minimum. It may extend for bigger police
stations up to 5 complete days.
456.2 The Sub-Divisional Police Officer should test the-men in drill and parade and make a
detailed inspection of police lines and police buildings, kit inspection. He should see each
officer and test him in drill, law, procedure, etc., and make entries in the personal
confidential sheet of each head constable and constable. A physical check of cash and all
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government properties and the properties seized in cases should do along with through and
detailed inspection of station records and case diaries maintained in the police station.
456.3 The Sub-Divisional Police Officer should take the opportunity of visiting some of the
villages, meeting and addressing the local people, acquainting himself with the conditions
obtaining in those villages and devising ways and means of improving the law and order
situation. It is especially important that the approach to the people should always be marked
by a polite and helpful attitude. In cases where there are complaints from villages
particularly in regard to harassment or unnecessary interference by members of the police
force, prompt action should be taken to investigate them with a view to securing the
confidence of the public. 'A' class villages, which are crime centres or where there are
factions or bad characters, should receive the special attention of the sub-divisional police
officer.
456.4 As and when an inspection of a police station, outpost or an office is over, he should
send copies of inspection notes within a week of the inspection to the Superintendent and the
police station or office concerned for compliance and report within a period of one month.
The Superintendent may, if he considers necessary in any case, forward a copy to the range
IGP.
456.5 Station and circle inspection reports will contain the following information at the
beginning:
Inspection by Sri...........................................(Name & Rank)
(i) Name of the station house officer/Inspector.
(ii) Name of district.
(iii) Date of arrival and departure of the inspecting officer.
(iv) Date of last inspection by the inspecting officer.
(v) Date of inspection by other officers (with names and rank subordinate to the
Inspecting officer)
(vi) Name of station and /or circle,
(vii) Date of taking charge of the station/circle,
(viii) Sanctioned and actual strength of the station,
(ix) Name of the Inspector,
(x) Date of taking charge of the circle.
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(xi) Number of times he has inspected/visited the station during the past twelve months with
dates.
456.6 The officers of the equivalent ranks in all other police units will inspect the units
coming under their control as per the scale covering all aspects of their work. They should
prepare a check list of items to be covered during their inspection.
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Chapter 22
Introduction
457. Police organisation, in a democratic polity can discharge its duties effectively only with
the cooperation of the people. Public assistance is needed for prevention, detection,
investigation and prosecution of cases, and also for maintaining peace during all major
social, cultural, economic and political events. For eliciting and sustaining such a cooperation constant interaction with the members of the public needs to be maintained by
professional public relations set up within the organization. Police are an important wing of
the executive. They are the primary law enforcement agency. The execution of police duties
presupposes citizen and public support to police. Police need assistance of the public as
witnesses, informers and supporters. The police should therefore endeavor to create
impression in the public that they are their friends and are there to help them in case of need.
The intention to serve the public to understand the problems of others and a commitment to
job are bound to earn laurels for beneficial public relationship leading to healthy police
public relations.
There should be one public relations officer with necessary secretarial assistance,
communications, transport and other equipment in every SP in the district and the
Commissioners of Police in large cities. At the State level a Director of Public
Relations of the rank of a DIGP with necessary secretarial assistance should be
located in the office of the Director General of Police. The Addl. DGP (L&O)
may be in charge of the public relations work at the PHQ. Professionals in print
and visual media, as well as, advertising will be part of the PR set up at state
police headquarters. The public relations officers in the district may be drawn
from police officers of the rank of Inspector or from among professionals on
deputation/contract. In the other units of the police the PR functions shall be
handled by the officer of the rank of a DSP or Inspector at the Unit headquarters.
319
The CID shall have a separate PRO of the rank of a DSP or a professional on a
contract appointment or deputation.
ii.
All PROs, either from the police or on deputation may undergo a two-week
orientation course in a professional PR Institute and one-week orientation course
to be designed and implemented by training colleges with suitable curriculum
with essential features of police public relations.
iii.
The overall profile of the police department and its PR objectives are to be borne
in mind in all PR interactions PR wing should be attuned to serve the interests of
the public and the goals of the organization. Since the services to be rendered are
linked closely with the lives, possessions, liberties, rights and honor of all
persons, it is all the more necessary that the public relation functions become a
part of the police organization's work.
Illustrate and notify the public the objectives of the police, the rights of the whereas
under law, the services which the police can render to the public
ii.
Highlight the constraints and problems of police with the mental strain to which the
policemen are subjected.
iii.
iv.
Elaborate the need for the public to co-operate with the police in furnishing clues,
giving assistance in investigation and to come forward to figure as witnesses in the
court for the effective control of crime by the police
v.
Maintain interaction with voluntary organizations particularly the ones dealing with
the problems of children, women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and
crime prevention societies.
vii.
Production, display and distribution of brochures, television serials, short films and
other mass media to bring out the areas of police-public co-operation and highlight
important aspects of police work including sensational crimes, crime prevention
measures, and manner of overcoming lapses and failures in the police; and the need
for effective co-operation by the public in detection, investigation and prosecution of
cases. It should be ensured
relations, the need for station staff to maintain good public relation are contributed to
police magazines and other publications to enlighten the staff and the public In
addition, efforts must be made to needs awareness among public about police actions
and dispel any misunderstandings or doubts.
viii.
To launch internal communication programme between police officers through Inhouse Journals, video exhibitions, seminars, meetings etc. and to provide correct
feedback of public reactions and their grievances from publications or other media as
well as opinion leaders.
ix.
Setting up and running of an Information Centre and arrange press conferences with
senior officers when necessary and maintain close liaison and relation with media
and organise seminars with media and police officers to evolve better
communication, understanding and co-operation in police work.
x.
Organize traditional cultural forms of publicity like street plays, dramas, burrakathas,
puppet shows, songs etc. and release all advertisements of the department relating to
recruitment, procurement etc.
Internal Efforts
460. No amount of effort in public relations will yield the desired results unless it starts first
with the police personnel themselves. With a view to developing better internal relations
publications of various types can be published and circulated among the staff.
developments in the department from time to time. It is also a means by which the personnel
can communicate with one another. The contents of these print outs should be devoted to
discussion on police duties, personnel problems, cases of good work, updating of knowledge,
and the views of the public. The policies of the department and the legal changes are also
incorporated in the departmental publications. Publications provide a reading material for
policemen and their families. Such activities should run with regular staff headed by a
Manager of the rank of an Addl. SP. The staff needed for printing, binding, packing and
despatch can be contract appointments.
stations, control rooms, police headquarters of the districts/cities and the headquarter of the
battalions and the police training institutions.
B.
Newspapers: This is a powerful media and is read by a large number of people and still
those who read and discuss about what they read influence a larger number. Regular
press releases in a neat format containing information from time to time on important
policy decisions, events, bundobusts, crime information, clarifications, traffic
diversions, arrangements for fairs, festivals, elections and in times of emergencies,
peace and order situations would go a long way in keeping the public properly
informed. Press conferences by senior officers occasionally, and whenever situation
demands is a useful method of direct interaction with the press and also indirectly with
the public. The rejoinders, letters to the Editor and clarifications in a proper format
would enable clarifications and action taken on grievances brought to notice. Press
clippings provide useful feedback to the police officers and enable them to respond or
take suitable measures.
C.
Electronic Media: The educative slogans may be displayed or read out through the
electronic media and radio. Arrangements to make special announcements in the news
channels and in cases of emergencies even by interrupting the normal programmes are
an effective means of communications. Interviews with senior officers, telecast on
specific topics or matters of interest would also help in improving the information to
the public. The news releases made to the newspapers should also be conveyed through
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the radio and television channels. The other forms of audio and visual media which can
be utilised are documentaries, commercial spots, panel discussions, talks, special
announcements, specialised audience programmes, film strips, telefilms, cinema slides,
video cassettes, news photographs, and photographs for TV, pictorial albums and
record albums.
E.
F.
Exhibitions: The trade fairs, industrial and agricultural exhibitions and rural exhibitions
can be utilised for visibility campaign through erecting police stalls portraying the
work being done by the department.
G. Traditional Media: This media through songs, dances, drama, puppet shows and other
folk forms lends itself as a very good media for communication with the public. Being
live forms they have a powerful appeal if properly conceived and correctly portrayed.
Apart from professionals, police officers themselves who have the necessary talent can
be utilised to stage such programs. Talented teams can be prepared to tour different
areas staging plays and other programmes utilising the latest sound, light and music
equipment.
H. Other Media: This includes open house discussions, bulletin boards, sponsorship of
sports, art and culture, professional awards and scholarships etc. The sports and culture
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I.
J.
Meeting the public: The grievances of the public will be known better if the officers
meet the public face to face. Detailed instructions in this regard are issued in the duty
profiles of the various field officers in this Manual. These meetings should take place
when the officers go on tour or on inspection. The visits should be to various villages
and localities. Meetings on specific subjects or on specific problems with those affected
or likely to be affected should also be convened to know the correct facts and the
feelings of the public apart from their views. These should not be confused with the
meetings, which may be held with representatives of certain organisations to handle a
particular situation or a problem.
Evaluation: The primary duty of the PR organisation and the senior officers is to
evaluate the impact from time to time of the public relations function. The evaluation
should be in terms of the employee's response and the extent to which knowledge,
interest, acceptance and sympathy have replaced the ignorance, apathy, prejudice or
hostility respectively. The results should be studied and suitable modifications made to
improve the impact of the information on public relations exercise.
i.
465.1 The PR wing staff should avoid doing the following things.
A. Never think public relations are 'panacea' to all police problems;
B. Never be a panegyric;
C. Never seek personal publicity.
Every
Government has a full fledged, well equipped and organized public relations network in the
State headed by Commissioner for Information. The facilities, equipment and infrastructure
are meant for all government departments including the police department. They have
representative units in every district and city and maintain constant interaction with the news
media. The PR organization in the police must be in close touch with the State Information
Department and provide all assistance to them to disseminate information regarding the
police. The public relations campaign of the department can be successfully done through
cooperation of the State public relations wing. The SsP/CsP should similarly utilize the
services, equipment, infrastructure and other facilities available with the department in their
districts and cities. There should be frequent interaction between them and the police officers
so that the larger infrastructure can assist the police in better communication with the public.
The Government of India has its organizations like Directorate of Field Publicity and AudioVisual Publicity, Publications Division, Doordarshan, and All India Radio connected with
the department of Information and Broadcasting. Ail these are located in the State
Headquarters and also at a few other places in the state. A proper liaison is necessary with
these organizations that have a responsibility for conveying information of any government
organization to the public. In fact, the Doordarshan and the AIR have specific policy
priorities to convey matters of police interest or emergencies. Even though these
organizations have other priorities they do take up police programmes on a regular basis.
Doordarshan particularly the local channel can have a specific time fixed for police
programmes. It is necessary that the PR organization of the police department is in a position
to produce such programmes so that the regularity and the timings can be followed without
interruption.
process, in exchange for their participation and support. It also rests on the belief that
solutions to today's community problems demand freeing both people .and the police to
explore creative and new ways to address neighborhood concerns beyond a narrow focus on
individual crime incidents.
2. The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public
approval of police existence, actions behavior, and the ability of the police; to
secure and maintain public respect.
3. The police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary
observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain public respect.
5. The police seek and preserve public favor, not only by catering to public
opinion, but by constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial service to the
law, in complete independence of policy, and without regard to the justice or
injustice of the substance of individual laws; by ready offering of individual
service and friendship to all members of the society without regard to their
race or social standing; by ready exercise of courtesy and .friendly good
humor; and by ready offering of individual sacrifice in protecting and
preserving life.
6. The police should use physical force to the extent necessary to secure
observance of the law or to restore order only when the exercise of
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7. The police at all times should maintain a relationship with the public. They
should follow the principle that police are the public and that the public are
the police.
8. The police should always direct their actions towards their functions and
never appear to usurp the powers of the judiciary by avenging individuals or
the state, or authoritatively judging guilt or punishing the guilty.
9. The test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, not the
visible evidence of police action in dealing with them.
Public Relations
2.
Community service
3.
Community Participation
In other words the individual policeman should know each member of the
community and he should, in turn, be known by them. That is to say there is no anonymity
for either of them and there develops between them a relationship of harmony and trust.
Such a relationship is vital for the development of their abilities and initiatives to solve
problems of crime and social disorder.
(a) Community policing - that it is based on a 'small scale approach.' The basic unit of
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330
Community Policing is :
(a) A philosophy based on the concept that Police Officers and private citizens' work
together in a creative way to help solve contemporary community problems related
to crime, fear of crime, disorder and neighbourhood decay.
(b) Developing a new relationship with law abiding people in the community, allowing
them a greater say in setting local policing priorities, and involving them in efforts to
improve overall quality of life in their neighbourhood.
(c) Shifting of focus of police work from handling random calls to problem, solving
(d) Putting the Beat Police Officer in face-to-face daily contact with people in the area
so that the officer owns the Beat areas, develops rapport with the people and earns
their trust.
(e) A situation where the police serve as a catalyst and the" people accept their share of
responsibility for solving local problems related to crime, disorder and security. .
(f) Down to bottom approach where decision making is decentralised and initiatives
come from the local community and the beat police officer.
II.
(a) A technique
(b) Public Relations
(c) Anti-technology
(d) Soft on crime
(e) A cosmetic change
(f) A top down approach
(g) Another name for social work
(h) Something to be displayed or dramatised
6. Geographic Focus :
Police work and functions, the 'Beat', is at the centre of any mode for Community
Policing. It is also important that Beat Patrol officers are assigned to geographical
beats for extended period of time instead of being shifted frequently.
cannot expect to accomplish his numerous tasks without active and positive help
from the community. So, the very nature of police work is such that consultation with
the community becomes a pre-requisite. Consultation with the Community can be
both formal and informal. Such consultation should aim at creating an environment,
which enhances public peace and ensures effective and efficient delivery of service.
The Policemen must consult the community not only to find out the community's
'service needs' but also to find out the 'manner in which the community wants those
services to be delivered. Such consultations should be an ongoing exchange and not
an 'once in a year' affair. It should be a process of regular dialogue and it should lead
to a decision.
10. Ethics, Legality, Responsibility and Trust : Community policing implies some
kind of a contract between the police and the citizens they serve.. This relationship is
based on mutual trust and respect. It also suggests that the police can serve as a
catalyst, challenging people to accept their share of responsibility for regulating and
334
improving the overall quality of life in the community. Community policing means
that citizens will be asked to handle more of their minor concerns themselves, but in
exchange, this will free police to work with people on developing immediate as well
as long term solutions for community's concerns such as crime, drugs, vice and
gambling, in ways that encourage mutual accountability and respect.
11. Expanding the Police Mandate: Community policing adds a vital, proactive
element to the traditional reactive role of the police, resulting in a full spectrum of
policing services. As the only agency of social control open 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, the police must maintain their ability to respond immediately to crises
and crime incidents. Community Policing also broadens the " police role so that the
police can make a greater impact on making changes, today that hold the promise of
making communities safer and more attractive places to live tomorrow.
12. Demonstrating the benefits: The Model for Community Policing can work
successfully only when it is owned by those who are supposed to operate it, and who
are the most likely beneficiaries.
13. Selling, the Idea : Policemen in India, see themselves in adversarial situation vis-vis citizens and as a class, are resistant to change, and unless the protagonists of
Community Policing, manage to sell them the idea, it is apprehended that all
Community Policing initiatives will fail. And for 'selling' the idea to them, Police
Leadership must demonstrate to them the tangible benefits accruing to them. Such
benefits can be in the form of people's help in their day to day work, their-raised self
esteem, reduction of stress, and probably lesser work-load etc.
14. Grass-Roofs Creativity and Support : Community Policing promotes the judicious
use of technology, but it also rests on the belief that nothing surpasses what dedicated
human beings, talking and working together, can achieve. It invests trust in those
who are on the frontlines together on the street, relying on their combined judgment,
wisdom, and experience to fashion creative new approaches to contemporary
community concerns and problems, and it devise innovative solutions.
15. Internalise Change: Community policing must be made a fully integrated approach
335
that involves everyone in the department, with community policing officers serving
as generalists who show the way to bridge the gap between the police and the people
they serve. The community policing approach plays a crucial role internally by
providing information about the awareness of the community and its problems, and
by enlisting broad based community support for the department's overall objectives.
personalized police service to the community. It recognizes that the police cannot
impose order on the community from outside, but that people must be encouraged to
think of the police as a crucial resource that they can use in helping to solve
contemporary community concerns. It is not a tactic to be applied and then
abandoned, but a new philosophy and organizational strategy that provides the
flexibility to meet local needs and priorities as they change over time, with an eye on
the future.
i.
The experiments and programmes are not always tailored to community's needs.
ii.
They work well in times of crisis. Once the emergency passes, they lose momentum.
iii.
iv.
v.
Police Community relations have mostly remain urban exercises in India to the
neglect of villages,
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
Some individual police officers make a difference. When they go, the programme
suffers.
x.
B. Meira Paibi (Torch Bearers) : The women of Manipuri Basti, Guwahati (Assam) have
taken upon themselves the responsibility of improving the taw and order situations and
other social problems in their Basti and tackle problems of drug-abuse by youth. The
women have come together to prevent the youth, from going out of the Basti after
sunset. They light their torches and go around the Basti guarding the entry and exit
points.
D. Peace Committees : Peace Committees were usually formed with initiatives of police
department and were composed of some eminent citizens of the locality. In most cases
department call these committees only during some communal tensions. The inability
to involve the right kind of people has been a major cause of failure of suchcommittees. Selection of right kind of people as members and empowering them is
essential for effective functioning of such Committees.
337
E. Open Grievance Redressal Forums : Open grievance redress forums like the one,
which existed in Kota (Rajasthan) and which was initiated by the then SP of the district
have proved to be highly effective and beneficial for the community.
F.
Village Defence Party : In Assam there is the idea of Village Defence Party (VDP).
Each household is a member of the VCP and involved in night patrolling within the
village. They maintain a roster explaining who will be involved in what dates. The
villagers usually select a secretary who is responsible to keep regular contact with the
police station.
G.
Gaon Burah : In Assam in each village there is usually one Gaon Burah who is
traditionally selected by the village community. The government had employed these
Gaon Burah to collect village revenues. During the height of insurgency police
department tried to utilise them to get information regarding the militancy activities in
the village. The success of this system shows that the traditional mechanism to
maintain peace and harmony in society should go side by side with formal legal
initiatives.
H. Friends of Police : Friends of Police in almost all the places are an example of who act
as informers and help in prevention and detection of crime. For example, in Salem
(Tamil Nadu) the youth are monitoring traffic, ensuring that the people follow traffic
rules, etc.
Legislation Efforts
477. Not many legislation attempted have been made in the past in this direction. The most
prominent and the longest surviving effort seem to be the Karnataka Village Defence Parties
Act, 1964, which introduced the institution of 'Dalpathi' as the interface between the police
and the rural community. Yet another significant dimension of police-community
relationship is discernible in certain institutionalized service oriented schemes started with
police initiative in metropolitan cities of Delhi and Bangalore which seeks out with the help
of voluntary associations, victims of social injustice to provide emergency relief as well as
arrange long-term rehabilitation. Among more recent and perhaps the most systematic effort
in community policing has been the promulgation of a Home Department Resolution by the
Government of Orissa, providing an institutional framework to put the concept on a statutory
basis. Operational since August, 1999, 'Surakhya Samiti' is the kernel of the community
policing programme of the State Government which directs Superintendent of Police/Range
DIGs to constitute these Samities by selecting volunteers from specified areas in the
city/villages through Municipal Bodies and Gram Panchayats, in consultation with the
magistracy. The objective is to "associate citizens with the police in solving neighbourhood
problems, in enforcing the law of the land, in minimising crime, in restoring order and peace
in the community, in reducing crimes against women and weaker sections of the
community".
Inspector designated as beat police officer. Weekly meetings will be organised between the
beat officer and the volunteers and SHO/SDPO will chair meetings fortnightly. The block
staff is expected to carry out crime prevention duties, such as surveillance of
strangers/suspicious persons, verification of antecedents of hawkers/servants, collection of
339
Kerala
479. In 1998, "Crime Prevention Committees" were formed at the Police station level to
provide a platform for the local public and the police to discuss crime problems locality-wise
to control crime. Monthly meetings are held with residents' associations and the local police
in Trivandrum city to devise strategies to control crime and to foster good police-public
relations. Kerala Police has also launched a Student Traffic Education Programme. The
"Crime Stopper" facility is another form of community policing where the people can call
the police on a non-metered telephone number and share information about crime and
criminals without disclosing the caller's identity.
Delhi Experiments
481. The institution of Special Police Officers has acted since 80s as a bridge between the
police and the public in Delhi. Introduced some time after the November 1984 anti-Sikh
riots, which brought Delhi Police a lot of criticism, the SPOs have played a very useful role
in controlling property offences, educating the local people in various security measures to
protect their lives and properties etc. Some time back in North District of Delhi Police, very
effective Nagrik Suraksha Samities were organized for communal harmony. Organising and
dovetailing the Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), Traders' Associations, Thana Level
Committees, holding their periodical meetings with follow up action, and giving them
340
various responsibilities for prevention of crime in their respective areas, have become
accepted features of Delhi Police.
Madhya Pradesh
482. For some time, Madhya Pradesh Police has also been experimenting on various
organisations on community policing, such as, Friends of Police (Police Mitra Yojna),
Village Defence Societies (Gram Raksha Samities), Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Family
Counselling Centres, Drug De-addiction Centres, Friends of Children Scheme (Bala Mitra
Yojana), Special Police Officers, Traffic Safety Week Programmes, Students Traffic
Education - Programmes, Sports Programmes organised for Youth, and Career Counselling
Centres.
C.L.G. Concepts
341
Chapter 23
Introduction
483. Human beings are endowed with some basic rights, privileges and prerogatives which
provide them with dignity and honour. This makes their lives decent, sacred and sacrosanct.
These rights, privileges and prerogatives are popularly known as human rights. Human rights
are considered inalienable, sacrosanct and transcendental. They have also been accepted as
being fundamental to dignified human life, individual growth and overall national
development. Human rights thus mean the right to life, liberty, equality and dignity as
guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
II. Every human being is entitled to certain natural rights by virtue of his being a
member of human society. These rights are called human rights. The supreme
court while interpreting Article 21 of the Constitution of India emphasized that a
human being has not only a right to live but has a fundamental right to live with
dignity and it is the duty of every other human being to respect that right.
342
i.
Right to every citizen, of equality before law and equal protection of laws.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Right not to be prosecuted and convicted for any offence except for violation of law
in force at the time of committing the offence.
vi.
vii.
Right not to be deprived of his life and liberty except according to procedure
established by law.
viii.
Right not to be arrested with out informing the grounds and to be produced before a
magistrate as early as possible but not later than 24 hours.
ix.
x.
xi.
Right to seek redressal by way of writs for any of the above violations made against
him.
IV.
Our Criminal Justice system is based on "due process of law". Every act of the
individual, Executive, Legislature or Judiciary should be with in the framework
of law. Police as law enforcement authority are also part of this law. Police in
their duties to maintain law and order or in detection, investigation, prosecution
of cases directly deals with the public. Powers are given to police for effective
discharge of duties and not to misuse them, either for their selfish interests or to
exhibit their power and vanity. There is also a misconception that results cannot
be achieved unless third degree methods are used, and that it is not possible to
deal with hard core criminals and suspects with in the framework of strict law. Its
however, is not correct. There is no conflict between strict law enforcement,
relentless pursuit of offenders, punishment of offenders on one side, and
343
observance of human rights on the other. The police officer should understand
that he cannot take law into his own hand and he is not expected to be over
anxious to achieve results with the means that is not legally allowed.
V.
Various forms of custodial violence, torture, ill treatment of women and children,
fabricating false cases against innocent persons and attempts to save real culprits,
lockup deaths, custodial rapes, acts of omission or commission against weaker
section, poor and less-privileged, unwarranted arrests, unlawful searches and
excessive use of force are some of the manifestations of human rights violations
by police. The general complaint is that police officers who are to uphold the law
should not and cannot themselves indulge in illegal acts. It, undermines human
dignity, brutalizes the police system, forfeits the trust of people and the judiciary
and above all affects the image of the police organization as a whole. It also
exposes the police officers to the risk of criminal liability and punishment.
Custodial violence and tortures do not act as short cuts in any significant way to
achieve the goals and objectives. In fact they are the tools of an unprofessional
and unscientific police officer.
VI.
The other practices to be strongly put down are rude and discourteous behaviour,
refusal to entertain complaint, over bearing attitude, minimizing the gravity of
offence, delayed or poor or biased investigation, taking sides, perverse enquiries
into complaints, unjustified searches and arrests. Such practices will assume
complex dimensions if victims are women or belonging to other weaker sections.
Police Perspectives
485. The law enforcement agencies, police being the most important of them all, are under
an obligation to protect human rights. The police, in a democratic society, are expected to
play the role of a benevolent defender of free people's liberties and act as a guardian of
public peace and human rights. A democratic state does not envisage the police as an
instrument of force and coercion which ultimately tends to violate human rights. In a country
like India, the police are expected to play the role of a catalyst to social change aimed at the
amelioration of the backward, exploited, poor and illiterate masses through the instruments
of human rights. The role of police leadership in this context is required to be subjected to a
serious examination. The leaders of police, at various levels, should reconsider the
344
obligations, roles, responsibilities and duties cast on them by the law of the land in this
regards.
Police Obligation
486. Commission of an offence by a person tantamount to the violation of one or another
human right of an individual. Police have the primary obligation to investigate each of such
cases honestly, competently and with utmost objectivity so that the wrong done to the victim
with regard to the violation of his human rights is redressed as per the law of the land. While
discharging this primary duty, the police should not forget that even the accused person is
endowed with basic and fundamental human rights and in the discharge of their duties; they
must ensure that they do not violate or make an encroachment upon his human rights. By so
doing the police will be able to restore the dignity and honour of human rights and repair the
loss suffered by an individual as per the due process of law. At the same time they will also
save themselves from being accused of violating human rights. The requisite attitudinal
change and human orientation to policing, in this context, can be ensured only when police
men at all levels are made aware of their duties, commitments, obligations and
responsibilities in upholding and protecting human rights. The paradoxical situation in this
context is that the security forces and the police who are primarily meant to protect human
rights are often accused of violating them.
unauthorised manner of calling people to police stations and making them sit for long hours
and using force, inhuman behaviour, awe, intimidation and coercion are serious violations of
human dignity and honour. Methods must be devised to deter police from calling people to
police stations in an unauthorized manner. Close monitoring of such cases should be done to
avoid harassment to citizens leading to misbehaviour, use of force, recourse to third degree
methods and commission of custodial crimes. New modes and methods of monitoring and
supervisory techniques are required to be introduced and adopted for the protection of human
rights. There should be a written requisition in the name of the person called to the PS, the
way it is done by the CBI and other such agencies. For effective supervision of such
instances the following Performa should be introduced at the police station level. It should be
sent to senior supervisory officers and other related officials.
Remarks
Behavious of police
called
Purpose
Time of arrival
duration of stay
Name
unwarranted cases are registered, that no manipulations are resorted to by the police station
staff to convert a civil or revenue case into a criminal one and that bailable offences are not
converted into non-bailable ones and vice-versa. A close and scientific scrutiny by senior and
supervisory officers would ensure an appropriate action against a wrongdoer. The
supervisory obligation so discharged will go a long way towards protecting human rights.
Whether handcuffed
Purpose of arrest
Remarks
Supervisory observations
10
11
12
13
14
investigation of the crime in question done impartially, competently and scientifically works
as a compensatory measures for protecting human rights. The dishonour, loss and violation
of a specific human right of an individual will be compensated, if the offender is brought to
book after taking recourse to the due process of law. The crimes, therefore, should be
investigated, promptly, properly and without any delay. Justice delayed is justice denied, and
delay defeats equity are the principles which should guide the police functionaries in the
matter. By investigating cases completely, quickly and impartially the police provide
immediate relief.
496.2 Police leadership at the apex level must ensure that specialized course; in group
dynamics and human behaviour are made an integral part of the various training courses.
Such behavioural changes can also be brought about by associating the police with extra
organizational, non-situational and informal police-community programmes. Behavioural
changes like reception counters at police stations and computerization of the arrival and
departure of people at police stations can be gainfully tried for protecting the human rights of
the people.
499. Police officer should constantly bear it in mind that he needs the assistance of the public
either to maintain law and order or to gather evidence from witnesses or in obtaining clues
during investigation. He can get such co-operation from the public only when he is polite
and courteous in his dealings. Even, in dealing with the accused, there is no scope for all
treating and misbehaving with human. He should understand that his act is with in the
351
framework of law and should not exceed legal limits in his undue anxiety to get results as
this attitude will in same way or the other would end up in the violation of human rights.
B. Interrogation of suspect is a power vested with the police. But, interrogation should
be with in the legal framework. Prolonged detention in the name of interrogation may
amount to harassment and ultimately turn out as wrongful confinement.
D. Attempts to torture accused or suspects to obtain confessions are not only an offence
under Section 330 or 331 IPC but it is useless as such evidence is not admissible
under law. Besides there is a danger of the suspects or accused confessing falsely in
order to escape physical torture, in which case, one is likely to be misled in his
investigation.
H. The arrested person shall not be subjected to more restraint than is necessary to
prevent his escape (Section 49 Cr.P.C.). Handcuffs should not be used with out the
orders of the court.
J. The arrested person shall not be detained unnecessarily for a longer period than is
necessary and at any cost should be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours
excluding journey time. (Section 57 Cr.P.C.)
K. The arrested person is entitled to consult any one of his choice and it shall not be
denied (Article 22 of the Constitution).
L. The accused charged of any offence has a right to be defended by an advocate of his
choice. (Section 303 Cr.P.C.).
M. During custody, the arrested person is entitled for fair treatment and no custodial
torture or ill treatment is permissible.
N. Most of the custodial deaths take place during illegal detention. Produce the accused
within 24 hours of arrest and obtain police custody from court for interrogation if
necessary. This will increase the responsibility of police and minimise irresponsible
custodial tortures.
Women shall be shown special treatment wherever they interfere with the system
whether as complainants, victims, accused, witnesses or inmates of institution, giving
respect for gender dignity and habitative concern for women.
354
B. Separate prisons and police lockups, correctional centres and separate courts shall be set
up exclusively to deal with women.
C.
D.
The police, prison, correctional, judicial personnel dealing with women shall be
specially trained.
E. Women shall be arrested only in case of absolute necessity and only between sun rise and
sunset except in exceptional cases.
F.
A. When a delinquent juvenile (Juvenile in conflict with law) if arrested for committing any
offence, shall not be kept in lockup nor handcuffed. He shall be released on bail
whether the offence is bailable or non-bailable provided an undertaking is given by his
parents or guardians to take care of him and for production in court. If any body does
not offer surety, he shall be forwarded to observation home pending enquiry.
C. Question the juvenile in isolation and never be authoritative. Be kind but firm.
D. Whenever a statement is to be recorded from a juvenile witness keep him at ease and
make him to speak the truth away from influences.
2.
Human rights are, the rights relating to liberty, equality and dignity of the individual
guaranteed by the Constitution.
National
Human
Rights Commission
has been
formed
comprising
B. The Commission can intervene in any proceeding involving such violation pending
before a court.
C. The Commission can visit any jail or any other place for retention where persons are
allegedly confined. The commission can also summon any person and examine on
oath.
D. The commission can also receive any document or affidavit, petition etc.
E. The Commission can ask for investigation by any Central or State government agency.
356
F. After enquiry the Commission has the power to direct the State or Central Government
to initiate prosecution.
G. The Commission will submit an annual report to Central Government and to State
Government concerned about violation of human rights that were brought to its notice.
Police are expected to work with in the framework of law and are not expected to take
law into their own hands on the plea that the existing law is not sufficient. They cannot
play that role of lawmakers and judiciary. It is for the other wings to take care on the
point of sufficiency or insufficiency of law. Police are only expected to play the role of
an enforcing agency.
B.
The police in establishing and enforcing law must as far as practicable, use the methods
of persuasion, advice and warning. When use of force is inevitable, it must be as per
the procedure and to be the bare minimum.
C. The police officers must remember that they are also members of civilized society.
D. They should remember that their efficiency depends upon the ready co-operation of the
public.
357
E. They should always be courteous and well mannered and they should be dependable,
predictable and impartial.
F.
They should remember their own limitation and shall not usurp the functions of
judiciary.
Awareness
511. The human rights awareness includes awareness about the rights of the accused, victim
and the rights of the general citizens. A growing awareness will reduce these violations. This
is also possible by educating the law enforcing authorities. They should be trained about the
rights of the citizens. Accessibility to the public and prompt response to their grievances
goes a long way in protecting the human rights. Enactment of laws or making amendments
in laws may help to a certain extent but what is really needed is a change in attitude and
proper understanding of human rights.
1. The Human Rights Cell will act as the main link between the NHRC and the State
Police agencies.
3. To keep a close watch on the alleged violations of Human Rights by police personnel
358
which
come
to
light through
the
5. Human Rights Cell to regularly interact with the District SsP on human rights
petitions/complaints and issue instructions/guidelines, so as to minimize and
prevent violations of human rights by the police.
6. To conduct surprise visits to Police Stations, to check cases of illegal detention and
abuse of authority.
7. To take such other steps as may be necessary for preventing violations and protecting
and respecting the Human Rights of the citizenry who come in contract with the
police functionaries.
8. To ensure that all Police Stations in the State display the Guidelines given by the
Supreme Court in WP No.539 of 1986, in the case of O.K. Babu Vs State of West
Bengal. These requirements are in addition to the constitutional and statutory
safeguards and directions given by the courts from time to time in connection with
the safeguarding of the rights and dignity of the arrestee vis-a-vis the duties of the
police. Special care has to be taken to see that women, children and the vulnerable
sections of the society, are not harassed by the police by calling them to the police
station in avoidable circumstances.
9. To coordinate with State Police Academy & Training Centres to ensure that their inservice training curriculum have sufficient elements of human rights jurisprudence
for the trainees of all ranks. Such a module would aim at educating and sensitizing on
the following matters:
359
implications
of
fall-outs
and
non-observance
of
the
human
11. Compilation of the departmental circulars and directions on the human rights
mandate issued by the PHQ from time to time and see that these are recirculated for
recapitulation.
12. To identify specific areas of societal human rights violations in the State and to plan
out preventive and rehabilitative schemes in conjunction with the concerned
Departments for instance in the field of Child Rights-child sexual abuse, child-labour
Gender Justice, Juvenile Justice, non-criminal mentally ill lodged in prisons,
discrimination towards the under-privileged, Backward/SC/ST in specific areas etc.)
14. Personally monitor investigation of cases relating to custodial deaths, rape and
torture/illegal detentions in police custody and take remedial measures/follow up
departmental action.
15. Actively promote human rights literacy and awareness through publications and
media programmes.
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Chapter 24
Introduction
513. Social equality, cultural harmony and economic parity, are basic requisites for peace,
prosperity and progress in a society. If certain sections of the society are in possession, of the
resources of varied sorts and tend to dominate critical positions and enjoy special privileges,
the other sections may suffer the deprivation and get into the situation of subjugation. The
society in such a situation gets divided into weak and strong social sections. Societies often
get classified into weak and strong sections on irrational, illogical and unscientific grounds
like birth, sex, education, marital status. This type of paradoxical situation is more
pronounced in a plural, traditional, and conservative society like India. Indian society is a
typical example of such a cleavage which demark various, social segments into weak and
strong ones. Social distance, economic alienation, general apathy, helpless exploitation along
with eternal bondage of ignorance, disease and poverty and the consequent criminality
generate a general sense of dislike and social apathy for the weaker sections. The aforesaid
socio-economic and anthropological factors ultimately become responsible for unremitting
atrocities of various kinds being perpetrated on the weaker sections of the society. Illtreatment, insult, harassment and exploitation of the weaker section in any society ultimately
generate a social climate where commission of atrocities on weaker sections becomes a
natural phenomenon. But then a country which has adopted equality, justice and liberty as
basic treats of socio-politico and economic parity cannot afford that atrocities continue to be
committed on the weaker sections. Adequate and effective legislative measures have been
adopted in India for ensuring prevention of atrocities on weaker sections. Weaker sections
should be specially protected with the help of specified penal provisions and effective police
strategies. Positive and effective police-role in the area of prevention of atrocities on the
weaker sections is a vital tool for providing social security and personal protection to the
affected people. A positive police approach and effective preventive measures and
simultaneous developmental schemes can be instruments to reduce atrocities on the weaker
section.
362
Weaker section of society in the Indian context would mean a group which is
under-privileged and happens to be economically, educationally and politically
backward which has been subjected to exploitation due to caste, creed and
region. Economic weakness is relevant while assessing the needs of people
requiring ameliorative measures of pecuniary character. Women, children,
physically handicapped and mentally retarded people are categorized as
physically weak. The Legal Aid Committee, headed by Justice V.R. Krishna
Iyer, identified geographically deprived, handicapped, villagers, agriculture
labourers, industrial workers, women, children, harijans, minorities and
prisoners, as weaker sections. The untouchable, in the Indian context, are
specially classified as a weaker section of the society. Article 46 of the
Constitution makes a reference about the term 'weaker sections' and provides for
the protection and promotion of educational and economic interests of the
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections. A section of
society which is handicapped due to social, economic and political reasons may
be termed as a weaker section. Usually this category of the Indian society
consists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who have been for
generations being exploited on grounds of caste, birth and other such social
considerations.
(ii)
In a broader sense the term 'weaker section' may include physically and
socially handicapped, maladjusted and unadjusted groups like juvenile
delinquents, fallen women, drug addicts, beggars and mentally retarded children
from the vulnerable sections of the community in rural and backward regions,
tribal areas and urban slums. The weaker sections may comprise weak or
weaker individuals and the causes responsible for this weakness are : Sex, age,
incapacity, money, education, power, birth and social esteem. However, as sex
and age cannot be controlled by human endeavour, they are often not regarded
as parameters of 'weakness'.
(iii)
very essential for individual security and social competition. Most of people
belonging to weaker sections live below the poverty line. Politically, they are a
class who suffer exploitation and miseries due to deprivations that surround
them. Conservative social norms deny them the basic status of equality.
Culturally they feel handicapped because certain roles and facilities necessary
for human dignity are not made available to them.
The Notification
517. SCs and STs have been notified vide the articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution.
Scheduled areas are covered by Articles 244 and 244A. Scheduled tribes are not only listed,
even certain portions of the areas of districts or States are declared as scheduled areas.
Several safeguards and protections are given to the scheduled tribes in the scheduled areas.
364
Police in the scheduled areas should be familiar with the laws, notifications protections
available and the restrictions on those who do not belong to scheduled tribes, but living in
scheduled areas.
"Untouchability".
Section 10: Whoever abets any offence under this Act shall be
punishable with the punishment provided for the offence. A public
servant who willfully neglects the investigation of any offence
punishable under this Act shall be deemed to have abetted an offence
punishable under this Act.
Section 12: Where any act constituting an offence under this Act is
committed in relation to a member of a Scheduled Caste the Court
shall presume, unless the contrary is proved, that such act was
committed on the ground of "Untouchability".
Section 13: (1) No Civil Court shall entertain or continue any suit or
proceeding or shall pass any decree or order or execute wholly or
partially any decree or order if the claim involved in such suit or
proceeding or if the passing of such decree or order or if such
execution would in any way be contrary to the provisions of this Act.
(2) No Court shall, in adjudicating any matter or executing any decree
or order, recognize any custom or usage imposing any disability on
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Section 16-B: The Central Government has got power to make rules
to enforce the provisions of this Act.
520. The SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Rules 1995.
(i)
The SC/ST Act is enacted to punish for the commission of offences committed by
non SC/ST against the members of SC/ST and to provide for special Courts for
the trial of such offences and for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of such
offences. Atrocities under this Act are offences listed in section (3) according to
which, whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
(ii)
(iii)
According to section 4 whoever, being a public servant but not being a member
of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, willfully neglects his duties required
to be performed by him under this Act, shall be punishable with imprisonment for
a term which shall not be less than six months but may extend to one year.
(iv)
under this Chapter is convicted for the second offence or any offence subsequent
to the second offence, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
shall not be less than one year but which may extend to the punishment provided
for that offence.
(v)
According to section 6 subject to the other provisions of this Act, the provisions
of Section 34, Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V-A, Section 149, and Chapter
XXIII of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 shall so far as may be apply for the
purposes of this Act as they apply for the purposes of the IPC.
(vi)
(vii) Where any person is accused of any offence under this Chapter, it shall be open to
the Special Court trying him to pass an order that all or any of the properties,
movable or immovable or both belonging to him, shall, during the period of such
trial, be attached, and where such trial ends in conviction, the property so attached
shall be liable to forfeiture to the extent it is required for the purpose of
realization of any fine imposed under this Chapter.
Distinguish Factors
521. Some of the distinguishing factors of these acts are following:
A. Under SC/ST (POA) Act the accused should be non SC/ST person except abettors
whereas under PCR Act any body can be an accused;
B. In SC/ST (POA) Act victims can be either SC or ST whereas under PCR Act the
victims can be only SCs;
C. Under SC/ST (POA) Act some of the offences attract the provisions of IPC also in
which case offences can be charged both under this Act as well as under IPC.
However in PCR Act the offences are specifically religious or social disabilities;
D. In SC/ST (POA) Act the offences are tribal by special courts of a level of sessions
court established by the Government and special P.Ps are appointed for the purpose
371
of conducting prosecutions whereas under PCR Acts the offences are tribal by
Judicial first class Magistrates;
E. Under SC/ST (POA) Act the offences are cognizable and non bailable and non
compoundable whereas under PCR Act the offences are cognizable and bailable:
F. The investigation under this Act should be done by an officer not below the rank of
DSP. The 10 should complete the investigation on top priority within 30 days and
submit a report to the S.P. in view of Memorandum No.508/H1/85-4 dated 14-101985 the Social Welfare Department laying down that Police should complete the
investigation speedily and file charge sheet in the cases within the shortest possible
time not exceeding 30 days.
G. The cases are cognizable, non bailable, non compoundable as contemplated under
Cr.P.C. Apart from this a public servant (not being SC or ST) who willfully neglects
his duties required to be performed by him under this Act shall be punishable with
imprisonment of a term not less than six months.
H. Some of the offences under section 3 of the Act equally attract the provisions of
corresponding sections in IPC and so a case should be registered under tne relevant
provisions of both the Acts for proper investigation of cases.
The rules under the Civil Rights Act provide for enquiry into incidents by the
Sub-Divisional Magistrate and above. The Bonded Labour System
(Abolition) Act 1976, the child labour (Prohibition and Regulation Act 1986),
the Forest Conservation Act 1980, Panchayats (Extension to scheduled areas)
Act 1996 are some of the enactments intended for preventing exploitation of
children and the rights of the poor. The responsibilities of the Police in
respect of these legislation are dealt separately. It may be mentioned that
since a large portion of the affected persons are from Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes the protection available in the above Acts are applicable to
them. Wherever relevant and necessary the police officers shall apply the
provisions of these Ads as detailed above while dealing with crimes against
Scheduled Tribes and the Scheduled Castes.
ii.
The SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules 1995 under the Act specifies the
preventive measures which have to be taken by the Police and Executive
372
The first duty is to act directly and investigate the offences against SC/ST.
The second duty is to be a nodal, monitoring, coordinating and advisory
agency for the police department, in so far as the enforcement of these Acts
are concerned. Being one of the wings of the CID it is in a position to have
access to all data in SCRB and the DCRBs and issue suitable instructions to
all concerned on preventive, investigative and prosecuting aspects. The
advisory role of the PCR Cell is important, as several other departments are
also charged with the responsibility of enforcement of PCR and SC, ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
(ii)
A. Investigating teams each headed by a DSP/lnspector and 2 Sis and 6 HCs. for
investigating on an average 25 cases per year per team. Number of teams to depend
on the number of cases taken up by the Cell for investigation.
B. The specialist groups of one Scientific Assistant and photographer for every 2 teams.
C. A crime analysis group separately for this type of crimes in SCRB.
D. Legal consultations at every step of investigation.
E. Transport and other peripherals on par with Law & Order police stations.
(iii)
The PCR Cell will prepare standing instructions fixing procedures and
responsibilities for district and city police on prevention and investigation and
issue guidelines from time to time.
(iv)
(v)
The CID police station will register the cases to be investigated by PCR cell.
(vi)
The IGP PCR Cell will be assisted by DIGP/SsP particularly for supervision
of the cases investigated by the Cell.
(ii)
If there is a simmering problem with underlying social causes, the matter should be
brought to the notice of joint Collector designated to resolve the dispute.
G.
If the problem is factional or political the SDPO should monitor and take action tc
defuse the rumblings.
H.
Action under security provisions under Cr.P.C. should be initiated by local Police in
appropriate cases.
(iii)
The instructions to beat staff in each police station should include specific
guidelines on this subject and their reports should be scrutinized by the SHO.
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Investigation of Cases
525. All instructions regarding prompt arrival, processing the scene, preservation of all clues,
examination of witnesses, searches of places and arrest of accused should be attended to with
expedition. The police station of the area should reach the spot promptly and take up
investigation without delay. All information relating to crime and criminals should be fed in
the DCRB for analysis in the interest of investigation as well as for preventive measures.
(ii)
Some of the important points from the instructions given by the Government
are briefly stated below.
In District Police a Cell should be formed as a part of DCRB to work under the SP
directly assisted by Addl. SP.
whether any cases involving ill treatment or harassment or atrocities on SCs and STs due
to caste considerations were reported at the PS?
If so, how many cases have been charge sheeted in the court?
how many cases have been reported under the PCR Act.
how many cases out of them have been charge sheeted inthecour0
what is the result of the court cases? If there are any acquittals, was there any deficiency
in investigation?
Free legal aid should be provided in consultation with SP and PP when SC & ST are
accused.
O. PCR Cell in CID should ensure prompt investigation, prosecution and disposal of cases
under PCR Act and SC, ST, (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
P. The PCR Cell in CID will send half-yearly reports for the half year ending 30th June and
31St December in each year to the Government giving district-wise details of all the cases
registered under the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955. An annual report also should be
sent indicating the steps taken for proper implementation of various provisions of the
Act.
(iii)
The following action should be taken by the local police for giving protection
to SCs & STs who are landless and poor:
376
A. any attempt by others to dislodge the SC/ST unlawfully from their lands should be
prevented and in cases of criminal trespass booked.
B. the arms licences in the sensitive area should be reviewed;
C. special striking and mobile forces should be located in strategic areas where trouble is
anticipated and pickets should be posted;
D. in the event of trouble in spite of preventive action, force must be moved to quell the
disturbance and arrest the offenders;
E. prompt registration of cases
F. setting up of special police stations
G. speedy investigation and charge sheets
H. bail should be opposed in non-bailable and serious cases
I. maximum punishment should be pressed for
526.1 The identification of villages or areas where atrocities are likely to be committed
should be done and report should be in the following form.
A. Name of the village
B. History of conflict between Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe/other caste groups
C. History of atrocities
D. Freed bonded labourers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe groups
E. Skewed distribution of land, money (few rich people and mostly poor people among
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes)
F. Large extent of land taken possession under Ceiling Act or under Declaration and
Litigation
G. Having highly educated youth belonging to SC/ST
H. Predominantly consisting of SC/ST members .who are agricultural labourers
I. Where Government lands have been taken from ineligible Sivaijamadars and assigned to
SCs/STs
J. Members of SC/ST communities are occupying seats of power such as Sarpanch, Fair
Price Shop Dealer etc.
The State Government has set up Special Courts presided over by Session Judge in all
the Districts, mobile courts and also special public prosecutors to deal with offences
arising out of enforcement of these Acts. In the Government a special cell with the
Chief Minister as Chairman Functions to review the efficacy of measures being taken
from time to time. There are, several agencies of the Government particularly the
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District Magistrates and the Social Welfare Department who have special responsibility
to implement various safeguards. Police have their own important role in implementing
the Acts effectively.
from
harmful
substances
including
drugs
and
psychotropic
substances:
C Protection from sexual exploitation;
D Protection from kidnapping;
E. Protection from torture and capital punishment;
F Treatment of children who are accused of violation of criminal law in a manner consistent
with the promotion of child's sense of dignity;
G. To enable his reintegration and playing a constructive role in society;
H. Protection from cruelty and exploitation.
530.1 This Act is human rights legislation. The problems of increasing juvenile delinquency
and child misbehavior have been a cause of concern to the society. This trend can mainly be
attributed to the following ills of society.
530.2 Juvenile delinquency refers to the anti - social acts of children. Such acts are either
found to be a deviation from normal behaviour such as incorrigibility, disobedience, running
away from home, reading obscene literature and viewing obscene or crime prone movies, or
doing acts forbidden by law such as committing offences (from minor to major) from pickpocketing to rape and murder.
530.3 Juvenile Justice Act deals with the above two types. The first type of juveniles is
termed as neglected juveniles and second type as delinquent juveniles. A neglected juvenile
falls under 5 categories A juvenile found begging;
A juvenile having no settled place of abode and no ostensible means of living;
Having parent or guardian but incapable of exercising control over the child:
530.4 Child welfare Committees are constituted by Government to inquire into children who
need care and protection. The board is presided over by a chairman with two or more
members one among them being a woman compulsorily. The board is vested with powers of
a first class Magistrate.
530.5 Juvenile welfare boards are constituted to inquire into Juvenile in conflict with law
presided over by a judicial first class Magistrate. Juvenile homes are established to house
neglected juveniles and special homes are established to house delinquent juveniles after due
inquiry. Observation homes are constituted to house both neglected and delinquent juveniles
pending inquiry.
530.6 A police officer dealing with the child in need of care and protection has to strictly
follow the following procedure;
A.
When a police officer is of the opinion that a person is a child and is in need of care and
protection, he shall take charge of the person for bringing him before the juvenile
welfare board of the area. Every person taken charge shall be brought before the board
within 24 hours excluding the journey time. If the parents do not come forward to take
him in the meanwhile, he shall be kept in observation home before he is brought before
380
the board but he shall never be kept in a police station or lock-up or jail.
B.
It must be noted that a child in need of care and protection is not an offender. As such
he is not to be arrested.
C.
The board holds inquiry and examines the police officer and other witnesses produced
before it. The child in need of care and protection or any one on his behalf can
challenge the witnesses. If the majority members of the board are of the opinion on
inquiry that he is a neglected juvenile, he will be sent to juvenile home till he ceases to
be a juvenile. Instead of sending a juvenile to juvenile home the board may place the
juvenile under the care of a parent, guardian of any fit person or any recognized
organization by imposing conditions with or without sureties for the good behaviour
and well being of the juvenile.
When a Juvenile in conflict with law has committed any cognizable offence, he may be
arrested by the police officer but he shall not be handcuffed or kept in lock up.
B.
The I.O. shall release him on bail when offered whether it is bailable or non-bailable
offence. But he shall not be so released if there appear reasonable grounds for believing
that his release is likely to bring him in to association with any known criminal or
exposing to moral danger or his release would defeat ends of justice. If he is not
released on bail, he shall be removed to observation home or a place of safety till he is
produced before the juvenile court and he shall continue there till the inquiry is
completed.
C.
When a Juvenile in conflict with law is arrested the SHO shall inform immediately the
parent or guardian and direct them to be present at a juvenile court on the day of
production of juvenile. The SHO shall simultaneously inform the probationary officer
to enable him to obtain information regarding his antecedents and forward it to the
juvenile court.
D. After due inquiry if the juvenile is found not guilty, he will be discharged.
E. If the juvenile is found guilty a court may order either of the following steps
direct the juvenile to be released on probation of good conduct and placed in the care of
381
parents or guardian after executing a bond with or with out sureties for a period not
exceeding 3 years;
he may be placed in the care of a fit institution for a period not exceeding 3 years; or
ordered to perform community service.
he may be sent to special home till he ceases to be a juvenile or till the juvenile attains
the age of 18 years in the case of a boy and 20 years in the case of a girl;
2.
Only a juvenile welfare board inquires any offence committed by a juvenile n to.
3.
If the juvenile welfare board finds in the preliminary inquiry that he is not a juvenile,
he shall be forwarded to the ordinary court of concerned jurisdiction for his trial.
4.
If he ceases to be a juvenile during inquiry in the juvenile welfare board, the inquiry
will continue in the same court.
5.
6.
7.
There shall not be a joint trial of a juvenile and non juvenile for offences committed by
them jointly. Though common investigation is made against them, charge sheets
should be filed separately in the respective courts.
8.
No security proceedings under sections 107 to 110 Cr.P.C. shall be launched against a
juvenile.
9.
The Act provides punishments for offences committed against juveniles. Section 23
provides punishments for willfully neglecting a juvenile or assaulting, abandoning,
exposing or causing mental suffering to a juvenile who under their control or charge
but the sanction of the Government is necessary before filing a charge sheet under this
section.
10. Section 24 provides punishment for those who employ or use any juvenile for the
purpose of begging. Abetment is also an offence under this section. The offence under
this section is cognizable.
11. Section 25 provides punishments for giving intoxicating liquor or narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance to a juvenile.
12.
Section 26 provides punishments against persons who procure a juvenile for the
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The offences under sections 41 to 44 can be charged together with any other offence
provided under any other law and cases are to be filed in the ordinary courts.
The Child Labour Prohibition And Regulation Act (1986) prohibits children below 14
years from employment in railway, in such other processes as beedi making, carpet
weaving, cement manufacturing, cloth printing, dyeing and weaving, bagging,
manufacture of matches, explosives, fire-works, mica cutting and splitting, shellac and
soap manufacture, tanning, wool cleaning and building construction. In other cases
where children are employed, certain precautions have to be taken in the interest of
their safety and health as per section 13. Violation of provisions entails punishment of
3 months up to one year. Tie offences however are not cognizable.
A. Section 16 empowers any person and police officer or inspectors appointed under the Act
to file complaints in a competent court.
B. Whenever violation of the Act comes to notice, the duty of the police officer should be to
make a record in the General Diary and file a complaint before the Metropolitan
Magistrate or first class Magistrate who is competent to try the case. For every second
offence, the punishment is 6 months to 2 years of imprisonment.
C. The main duty of enforcing this Act is that of the inspectors appointed for this specific
purpose. The police officer need not therefore undertake the job of going round the
factories or places of work with a view to detect and prosecute the violation.
D. The police should make thorough inquiries where they come across organized, deliberate
employment of children against the provisions of this Act, and a proper FIR should be
registered under appropriate sections of IPC and the Act. The example of such
racketeering is the middle men who gather children and make them work taking
advantage of the poverty of the parents.
E. Every police station should maintain missing children register and make efforts to trace
them. The register should be kept up to date with details of inquiries conducted.
2.
The Child Marriage Restraint Act provides for punishments against any male person
above 18 years marrying a female child below 18 years. It also provides for
383
punishments against persons who perform, conduct or direct any child marriage and
also against the parents and guardians having charge of a minor female child
conducting marriage or failing to prevent the marriage of a child.
3.
All these offences are cognizable for the purpose of registration and investigation of
these offences but arrest can be made only on a warrant from a court.
4.
Charge sheets must be filed within one year from the date of offence. Otherwise courts
will not take cognizance.
governmental and non-governmental agencies and also the police have a role to play.
In the matter of dealing with organised crime against women particularly trafficking
and serious crimes it is entirely the responsibility of the police.
E. The norms of conduct of the police towards women whether they are offenders or in
custody or come in contact on various occasions requiring police intervention are set
forth and any violation attracts action against them. Police Officers of all ranks should
familiarize and assimilate in spirit and letter, the various provisions of law and rules in
the discharge of their duties. The training branch of the police and all the training
institutions shall cover these aspects comprehensively in the induction, in-service and
on-job training courses. The syllabus of induction training for all police officers should
contain a module on the manners of official conduct with women.
Gathering information relating to procurers, brokers, agents, and pimps through beat
constables and other police officers.
B. Prompt recording of information and action regarding missing women and girls.
C. Maintain a liaison with voluntary bodies and concerned departments regarding care and
custody of rescued females.
D. Keeping watch at holiday resorts.
386
(ii)
(iii)
Modesty of any woman relates to her sex and her body. Law has interpreted
that modesty of a woman as capable of being outraged whether she is young
or old, intelligent or innocent, awake or asleep. Any Act suggestive of sex is
deemed to be affecting her modesty. The other ingredient necessary in such
offence is guilty intention and motive.
(iv)
Obscenity arises out of the use of language gestures motions signs and eve
teasing. The following factors determine obscenity of any matter.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
The production and circulation of obscene articles, literature and visual media
is some times a major money-spinner and often a subject of organized
criminal activity. When information is obtained regarding the operation of a
gang, the police should register a case under 120 (B) IPC and other relevant
sections and conduct thorough investigation.
387
388
Whenever any women has to be arrested under the law, the women police
officers should be employed and for any reason if the services of women
police could not be secured, it is necessary to secure the presence of services
of women social workers or other respectable women witnesses of the area.
The Police Officers making arrest shall not use force unless there are
circumstances which make him believe that the prisoner is likely to escape or
there is danger to her life or she is in possession of fireworks, explosives or
any other dangerous weapons.
(ii)
(iii)
Bonded labour is forced labour under which he enters into an agreement with
the employer that he would by himself or through his descendants serve him
for a specified or unspecified periods with out wages or with nominal wages
in consideration to the advance obtained by him from the employer earlier.
Thus he is curtailed from liberty to move freely or to take other employment
till the debt is discharged.
(ii)
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976 provides punishment for
enforcement advancement, extracting bonded labour under bonded labour
system. Abetment is also an offence under this Act. All the offences are
cognizable and bailable and tribal by executive Magistrates who are vested
with the powers of judicial first class Magistrates o second class Magistrates,
Police Officers have to file these cases after investigation before the
concerned executive Magistrate Court.
390
Chapter 25
Foreigners
Introduction
544. Revolutionary developments in the areas of transport and communication
coupled with the process of globalization have converted the world into a global
village. The geographical distances have now reduced. Social, political, cultural,
industrial, educational and economic interactions have become more frequent and
more intensive than ever before. The movements of the nationals and citizens of
different countries to other nations have become smooth, easy and frequent.
Consequently more and more foreigners visit India now on some reason or the other.
This might be a welcome phenomenon on various considerations, but this calls upon
police to play their role with regard to foreigners with more vigilance, dexterity and
awareness.
392
(ii) The instructions contained in this Chapter are intended for assisting Officers
entrusted with the administration of Laws and Rules relating to foreigners. They
do not, however, relieve the officers of their responsibility to consult the
concerned Acts, Notification, Orders and Rules including the additions,
modifications and other amendments in their application, as declared by the
Government of India and State Government from time to time. The instructions
issued by State Intelligence Department from time to time should also be
implemented. The SHOs should seek guidance in case of any doubt from the
SDPO and the SP / CP concerned. In view of the increasing flow of foreigners
and the liberal immigration policy of Government of India, it is necessary that all
Police Officers fully understand their powers and obligations with regard to
foreigners in this important area of their work. It should, however, be noted by all
police officers that while the laws should be implemented and the rules followed,
it should not cause unnecessary harassment to foreigners.
ii.
All officers shall make themselves familiar with the provisions of the United
393
Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1947, and see that the personnel of
the United Nations, who will be in possession of United Nations Laissez Passe
or other document indicating their status with the UN or its Specialized
Agencies, are not put to any inconvenience.
iii.
For the purpose of visas, the UN Officials fall in two categories. The first
categories are those who stay in India for an indefinite period and the second
relates to those who stay in India for a short specified period. Applications for
visas where required; from the holders of United Nations Laissez Passe or any
other document showing that they are travelling on the business of the United
Nations shall be dealt with appropriately and as speedily as possible.
(ii) Under sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 2 of the Foreigners Order, 1948, the
Governments appoint the following Officers to be Civil Authorities for purposes
of that order.
394
i.
Commissioner of Police,
ii.
Collectors of districts
iii.
Secretary to Govt.
(ii) Grant of visa does not necessarily mean that the grantee will be permitted to land
in India on arrival. A competent civil authority may A. refuse, in certain circumstances, permission to a foreigner to enter or leave India;
B. attach such condition(s), as it .may think fit to the grant of permission to land:
C. impose restrictions on the movements of a foreigner; or
D. arrest and/or detain a foreigner, if it is necessary to do so in the public interest.
(iii) A competent civil authority may prohibit a foreigner from entering or remaining
in a prohibited or protected area or may impose such conditions as it may think
fit on a foreigner visiting or remaining in such an area.
any Magistrate or any Police Officer not below the rank of Head Constable within
twenty four hours. The time limit may be extended by the Officer demanding these
documents as may be necessary. When the passport or other documents of
identification produced by a registered foreigner, in the opinion of the Registration
Officer, Magistrate or Police Officer not below the rank of Inspector, do not provide
adequate proof of identity, he may be required to produce four copies of a photograph
of passport size of himself or four complete sets of his finger impressions, if his
Registration Certificate does not already contain his photograph or finger
impressions. If the Registration Certificate bears a set of finger impressions, the
foreigner may be required to furnish a further set of finger impressions for
comparison.
(ii)
report is not required in the case of a person who has obtained a travel
permit or who stays in a hotel. A resident foreigner changing his
registered address is required to report such a change to the
Registration Officer of the district in which he is registered. He has
also to report to the Registration Officer of the district to which he
moves within forty-eight hours of his arrival.
(iii)
Tourists who come on Tourist Visa on visits for recreational or sightseeing purposes, are exempt from reporting changes in their address
and their movements as no registration formalities are required if the
stay is less than 180 days. Every registered foreigner, except a tourist,
should report to the Registration Officer of the district in which he is
registered within 14 days, any circumstances, which in any way affect
the accuracy of any of the particulars set out in his Certificate of
Registration.
Departure
554. Every registered foreigner who is about to depart finally from India shall
surrender his certificate of registration either to the Registration Officer of the place
where he is registered or of the place from where he intends to depart or to the
Immigration Officer at the port/check post of exit from India. If the certificate is
surrendered other than to the Immigration Officer of the port or check post of exit, a
receipt indicating such surrender of the document may be obtained and shown to the
Immigration Officer. It is no longer necessary for foreigners to seek exit/departure
clearance from the Registration Officers of their place of registration and they can
straight away depart from the Immigration Check post. The Registration Officer at
the port or place of departure may, if he is not fully satisfied of the applicant's
bonafides, make a reference by telegram/fax to the Registration Officer of the district
in which the foreigner is registered.
Foreigners holding visas for 180 days or less are not required to get
397
(ii)
(iii)
B. foreigners holding visas for more than 180 days whose destination is the port or
place of entry; and
C. foreigners holding visas for more than 180 days whose destination is a place other
than the port or place of entry.
(ii) Foreigners holding visas for a period exceeding 180 days will be required to
report for registration within 14 days of their arrival in India at the Registration
Office specified which would be at the port or place of entry. A foreigner whose
destination in India is a place other than the port or place of entry will, in
addition, be issued with a Temporary Registration Certificate except in case of
Pakistan Nationals in Form 'B1 requiring him to report to the Registration Officer
of his destination within a period of 14 days. A copy of this form will also be sent
direct to the Registration Officer concerned on the same day. If within 14 days of
the receipt of the duplicate of Form 'B' the foreigner mentioned therein does not
report to the Registration Officer, the latter will inform the Officer who issued the
temporary certificate and institute enquiries to ascertain the whereabouts of the
foreigner.
(iii) In respect of foreigners holding visas for more than 180 days, Registration
Officers should see that such a foreigner who has been in India for more than 30
days should get himself registered wherever he happens to be at that time. This
will be possible, as, in addition to the stamp on his passport the hotel arrival
report (Form-C) will show the date of the foreigner's arrival in India. The
Registration Officer concerned should carefully check the hotel arrival reports
received by him daily to see that a foreigner who has been in India for more than
30 days has been duly registered.
(iv) The registration staff at the ports or places of entry should send every day list of
all foreigners whose destination is the port or place of entry, to the Registration
Officer of the port or place if his headquarters is the town in which the port or
place of entry is situated.
(v) In the case of foreigners whose destination is a place other than the port or place
of entry, the concerned Registration Officer who would have received duplicate
399
of Form 'B' should see that the foreigners get themselves registered within 14
days of arrival. The Registration Officers should recover the temporary
certificates from the foreigners and send them to the Registration Officer who
issued them.
(vi) All foreigners will be registered in form 'A'. When a foreigner is registered, the
Registration Officer concerned should give Part III of Form 'A' to him as his
Certificate of Registration and Part I kept for record. Part II should be
transmitted to the Central Foreigners Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, and
New Delhi on the same day. Simultaneously, a duplicate copy of Part II should
be sent to the State Registration Officer.
Children of Foreigners
557. Children of foreigners under 16 years of age residing in India need not be
registered as they are exempt from such registration by clause 2 of the Registration of
Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 1957, but they will be issued residential permits as
required by paragraph 7 of the Foreigners Order, 1949.
Registration Certificate
558. Serial numbers of Registration Certificate: When a foreigner changes his
registered address to any district other than the one of his registered address, the
original serial number allotted to him when he was first registered in a district, should
be retained.
Hotel Arrival Reports - Form 'C'
559. A foreigner staying in a hotel will not be required to fill in Form 'C'. It will be
filled in and submitted by the hotelier within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival in the
hotel. The Officer in charge of the nearest Police Station who is authorized by the
Registration Officer to receive reports in Form 'C' in the districts, should make such
enquires as may appear to be necessary on receipt of such a report in respect of a
foreigner. He will transmit promptly the report direct to the Superintendent of Police
or Commissioner of Police i.e. Registration Officer on the same day with his remarks
retaining a copy, if necessary. The term 'hotel' includes any boarding house, club, dak
400
bungalow, rest house, sarai or other premises of a like nature. The SHO should
effectively ensure that the hotel keepers obtain and submit the reports without fail.
ii.
In
nearest Police Station for registration. For this purpose, they may depute
their authorized representatives to report their arrival in writing to the
prescribed authority or the nearest Police Station within 24 hours of their
reaching the specified place. The authorized representatives will also make
a similar report on their behalf 24 hours prior to their intended departure
from the place of stay.
iii.
Pakistanis holding Transit Visas valid for a period not exceeding 72 hours
will be required to register themselves only at the check post of entry.
They will not be required to report their arrival/departure to the prescribed
authority or the nearest Police Station for registration.
iv.
v.
The FRROs are to make endorsement on the residential permit at the time
of registration. There will be no temporary residential permits or regular
residential permits. There will be only one residential permit to be used.
The diplomatic, non-diplomatic and official visa holders are not required
to register. The visitor visa holders are required to register. The official
visa holders who are desirous of visiting any place on personal work will
have to obtain a visitor's visa in which case the registration formalities as
aforesaid will have to be observed.
Bangladesh Nationals
561. Bangladesh Nationals visiting India for a continuous period of over 6 months are
required to get themselves registered with the foreigners registration office within 14
days of their arrival and to obtain residential permits. Those entering on visas for
short periods but seek extension so that their total stay in India exceeds 6 months are
also required to get themselves registered.
A. In the case of passengers not leaving the precincts of the aerodrome, irrespective
of the fact whether they arrive by one flight and depart by the same flight or arrive
by one flight and depart by another (of the same or of a different airline), they
may be allowed to land without landing permits, provided there is no security
objection, and provided the air companies concerned undertake to ensure that
the passengers do not leave the precincts of the aerodrome.
B.
Passengers who arrive by one flight and depart by another (of the same or of a
402
different airline) but leave the precincts of the aerodrome should obtain a landing
permit in the form below:
"Sri/Srimati/Kumari ................who arrived in India on ................ (date) .....................
from ....................... (Place) ...................... by ........................ (description) .................
(description) aircraft is permitted to land temporarily in India until his/ her departure
by .................. (description) aircraft on ................... (date) ................ to ............. )
final destination) .................................
(ii) This permit is to be surrendered to the airport police authorities on departure from
India and upon its surrender, the passport, which has been, deposited with
authorities shall be returned. The validity of such landing permits should not
normally exceed 72 hours. Foreigners proceeding by air in transit, who arrive at
one airport and leave by the next regularly scheduled flight, should be required to
be in possession of transit visas for India.
ii.
Diplomatic and consular officers and their wives and children, who are in
possession of diplomatic visas which are limited to specified periods of
stay in India, will be given residential permits for the periods mentioned in
their visas. If, after they take up their posts, it transpires that they will be
required to remain in India for a longer period, the validity of the
residential permits issued to them will be extended to cover the duty
period on application to the Government.
403
iii.
The procedure for the issue and extension of residential permits in the case
of non-diplomatic personnel and staff of consulates and members of their
families will be the same as that for diplomatic and consular officers.
Foreigners who are exempt from registration should be issued with
residential permits at the port or place of entry itself. In all other cases, the
residential permit should be issued at the time of registration. No
residential permits need be issued to foreigners who stay in India for 30
days or less.
A.
foreigners who are holders of transit visa, for the period necessary to make
arrangements for their onward journey;
B. foreigners who have been residing in India for a period of five years or more and
are engaged in useful occupations, for a period of one year at a time.
C. foreigners in whose cases the Government of India have authorized the grant of
an extension in the first instance, for period not exceeding that for which
extension was initially authorised.
D. foreigners admitted into India for medical treatment, provided it is certified that
their continued stay in India is essential for such treatment.
E.
F.
foreigners who have come to India on short visits of less than one year, for a
period not exceeding two months.
(ii) The grant of extension of stay in cases mentioned above should be subject to the
following conditions:
404
A. They entered India lawfully and for the purpose of the business at present pursued
or for a cognate or authorized purpose. This excludes diplomats, consuls or their
staff who entered in their official capacity and on termination of employment
have remained in India.
B. That they have not come to adverse notice. Prosecution for breach of registration
or other formalities and violation of such formalities will constitute 'adverse'
notice although minor breaches may be ignored in suitable cases.
C. That they have bonafide or settled business of work in India and, in case of
missionaries, necessary guarantee for their good behaviour and maintenance has
been furnished.
(iii) The Civil Authorities should refer to the Government all doubtful cases, i.e.,
where the individual concerned is definitely, due to adverse notice or otherwise
not eligible for further stay. The Civil Authorities should also submit a return in
triplicate, in the form prescribed by the Government of India, on the 1st and
15th of each month of all applications for extension of stay in India disposed of
by them during the preceding fortnight. These returns should reach the
Government not later than 5th and 20th of each month.
foreigners falling within the following categories subject to their satisfying the
requisite conditions.
A. foreigners, other than missionaries, settled in India;
B.
C.
D.
(ii) Civil Authorities should refer to the Government all doubtful cases where the
individual concerned has come to adverse notice or is not otherwise eligible for
the grant of a 'No objection to return to India' endorsement. They should also give
intimation to the Home Department Government of the State Govt. of each
endorsement granted by them.
(iii) To prevent a suspect foreigner obtaining a "No Objection" endorsement, the Civil
Authorities should maintain a close liaison with the local or State Intelligence.
(iv) The fee for the grant of a 'No objection to return to India' endorsement as
prescribed may be obtained in postage stamps and cancelled. Commonwealth
missionaries are exempt from paying fees for the endorsement.
necessary action, should bring these cases to the notice of the Foreign
Diplomatic/Consular missions concerned. The report of the arrest of a
foreign national in a major crime, together with a brief description of the
offence, should be communicated to the Director General of Police, Addl.
DGP, CID and Addl. DGP Intelligence and Security.
ii.
Prosecutions
566. The orders of the Government should be obtained before prosecution is launched
against foreigners for a breach of the provisions of the Registration of Foreigners Act
and Rules, 1939. In view of section 8 of the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 the
fact that a foreigner, who may have entered India in contravention of the Passport
Rules 1950, has been registered, does not affect his liability to be proceeded against
under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.
ii.
iii.
Foreigners Act, 1939 and foreigners Act, 1946, and the Rules, and Instructions issued
there under will be made by an officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector, except in
cases where it is required under the rules that an officer superior to him should attend
to this work. Routine enquiries may be entrusted to Head Constables who are
conversant in that work. The enquiry reports should be prepared with care, based on
facts and not on conjectures and guess work.
Cards,
completed
by
all
foreigners
(ii) The report should not be held up for want of any of the particulars not readily
available. Whatever information is readily available should be sent as soon as
possible. The report should be furnished in respect of all aliens as well as nonIndians. Death of minors of foreign nationals also should be reported in the same
manner.
411
Chapter 26
Introduction
575. Indian economy has witnessed epochal changes, during past two decades in
various spheres. Bureaucratic controls have either been dismantled or substantially
reduced. Changes have also taken place in trade and exchange rate policies, foreign
investment policy, tax structure, financial sector and the public sector. Even in the
changed scenario, economic offences would continue to exist, in all these areas as
long as controls remain and decision making processes lack transparency. The
foreign exchange coming into the country as foreign direct investment may generate
black money through import and export frauds and crimes. Clandestine foreign
exchange routed back into the country through investment and banking channels
may initiate laundering operations. Similarly most of the legal gold and silver import
into the country is also being widely done by conversion of black money into hard
currency through hawala channels. The integration of Indian economy with the
global economy may spin global crimes. The flow of money from international
narcoracketeering, illegal arms sales and funding of terrorist outfits gets laundered
through various 'shells' companies. The only way in which integration with the world
economy and the increasing threat of international crimes can be reconciled is by
formulating increased international co-operation and strict enforcement of existing
enactments.
to
its
citizens
for
their
economic
An economic offence may appear victimless on the face of it but in fact it vicitimises
the whole society. These crimes are also popularly known as 'White Collar Crimes'
by virtue of the fact that perpetrator of such crimes are normally persons of
responsibility, holding high offices and in the course of their occupation, either they
themselves commit the crime or facilitate the perpetration of crime by others.
cheating
or
and
counterfeiting
etc. With
the
The broad
by sub-brokers, theft of securities from share registries or theft while in transit. The
range of bank frauds is also quite wide and covers fraud prone areas in the banking
system like loans, advances, remittances and foreign exchange transactions. The use of
plastic money has also generated offences of credit and cheque fraud. Technological
developments have propelled some of the old crimes into new shape.
Classification
578. Economic offences or white collar crimes and can be broadly categorised as
under : Income/Corporate/Wealth/Interest Tax Evasion
Excise/Customs duty evasion/Smuggling in contraband goods Export/Import
frauds. Bank frauds/Scams Corporate frauds/offences under Companies
Act/SEBI Act etc.
Stock market manipulations/ e.g. rigging of stock prices, circulation of fake
hare certificate etc.
Insurance frauds
Foreign Exchange Violations (Hawala)
Money Laundering,
Drug trafficking
Real estate dealing in benami names
Industrial espionage and unfair Trade Practices
Intellectual property Right Violations,
Credit Card frauds/Passport frauds/fake certificates
Corruption, in Public as well as Private Sector.
Counterfeiting of Currency / Bonds/ Shares,
Large Scale public frauds, cheating and forgery cases
Land and Building rackets and other mafias
Fake placement agencies, foreign jobs and manpower agents.
Tax exemption rackets
Production and role of spurious goods.
Floating fictitious companies for raising public funds e.g. raising
from public on false promises & then vanishing.
414
money
Floating Non-Banking Financial Companies to raise deposits from public with false
promises and misappropriating the same in due course.
Collection of rangdari tax/Protection money
Frauds relating to misuse of Govt. subsidy and breach of trust
Misuse/abuse of foreign aid programs.
Cyber Crimes including software piracy
Discounting of cheques/drafts etc.
Inflation of cost of projects for obtaining higher credit from Banks/Financial
Institutions and sharing the inflated portion with the officials, who facilitate
advances against inflated projects etc.
a)
Photo-substitution
b)
c)
d)
e)
579.1 Involvement of public servant of the Regional Passport Offices and Local
Police officials is often found in these cases.
introducing features in the passport and visas which would make their forgery
difficult e.g machine readable passports and visas, distinctive watermark, complicated
printing technique, permanent inscription of biographical data, high quality of inked
(wet and embossed (dry) seals and advance passenger information systems.
(iv) Bank Frauds : Bank have evolved detailed systems/procedures/rules, inter alia,
taking into account the instructions issued by Reserve Bank of India from time to time
on the various areas of their operations. If such rules/norms/procedures, as laid down,
are strictly adhered to, the chances of malpractice's can be well avoided/restricted to
great extent. An analysis of the fraud cases reported by banks to the Reserve Bank
however, broadly indicates that frauds perpetrated on banks could be classified into the
following :(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(v) Insurance Frauds : Broadly Insurance frauds are of two types viz within the
Insurance industry and outside the industry. Under the first category frauds occur with
the definite connivance of public servants e.g. granting insurance cover without
booking (accepting) the premium and until claim is made by party, providing afteraccident/loss insurance cover, allowing inflated claim, not taking over an accounting
the salvage and other recoveries to reduce the loss to the company entertaining a
totally fictitious claim etc. Examples of frauds under the second category are endless
and the following examples are only illustrative :a)
b)
c)
d)
utilizing bogus lorry receipts as proof of goods sent and making claim of nondelivery ;
e)
scuttling vessels where value of cargo is disproportionately higher than the value of
the ship etc.
(vi) Corporate Frauds, Embezzlements and Scams : Corporate frauds have emerged as a
major economic offence in recent times. This term includes a large number of
417
activities such as frauds by business people against each other, against investors,
consumers, tax authorities, by directors and employees against their companies.
Different forms and modus operandi are adopted. The broad categories are
embezzlement by employees, management frauds, investment scams and customer
frauds. Stock market frauds include sale of forged share certificates, cheating by
sub-brokers, theft of securities from share registries or theft while in transit. The
range of bank frauds is also quite wide and covers fraud prone areas in the banking
system like loans, advances, remittances and foreign exchange transactions. The use
of plastic money has also generated offences of credit and cheque fraud.
Technological developments have propelled some of the old crimes into new shape.
For example, the developments of the multi-colour copiers whose laser scanners
can reproduce exact colour variations and other subtle nuances in the printing
process have increased the forged currency notes rackets. The direct dialing
facilities, computer aided dispatch system and fax message enable fraudsters to
distance themselves geographically from their targets.
(vii) Forged Currency Notes : Under the Currency Department Code, forged currency
notes received into Treasuries and Banks are sent to the Police Station in the
jurisdiction of which the Treasury or Bank is situated for enquiry. Whenever
counterfeit currency is presented or discovered by the Bank an offence may be
construed to have been committed and the Police may register a case and investigate it.
The same principle should be applied and followed in cases in which a member of the
public reports the appearance of forged notes direct to the police station. In every
instance, in addition to sending a special report to the Criminal Investigation
Department, a report should be sent to the Currency Officer, immediately on the
appearance of a forged note. The report should give the following particulars.
A. series and number of notes
B. value
C. from whom and under what circumstances they were received and date of
receipt
D. designation of officer receiving the note
E. reasons for not registering a case, if a case has not been registered, and
F. any other particulars
418
G. The note seized should be sent to the Currency Officer along with the
report, except when the note is required for investigation, in which case the
note should be forwarded to the Currency Officer after the investigation is
over, quoting the number and date of the original report sent to him.
(A) Methods employed for circulating counterfeit currency: The fake currency is
mixed with genuine -notes and passed on in bundles to unsuspecting but avaricious
victims. The forged currency notes are passed on to the agents at a reduced value
providing them with the commission as an incentive. The notes are also used in shops
and establishments for the purchase of valuable items.
(B) Method of identification: The-forged currency notes can be identified from the
paper, colours, and sharpness of the print, watermark, security thread and serial
numbers. The paper of the genuine notes is crisp and the print extremely sharp and of
good quality and each note contains a separate number. The alignment of number is
not proper on a forged note compared to a genuine note. All the counterfeit currency
notes in circulation have to be pooled by the Investigation Unit of the CID and each
series separated. An analysis and comparison of different series and areas of their
circulation would provide a clue to the Investigating Officer. Each series should form a
separate case for investigation unless the comparison of different series shows the
same pattern. The IO should maintain close liaison with the Reserve Bank to know the
circulation of the fake currency in question. The opinion of the expert on the type of
paper used, colours, watermark and security thread mark would provide clue as to the
source from where these materials were obtained. It is rare that a genuine security
thread can ever be inserted in a fake currency note. It is shown more as a thin line
whereas in a genuine currency note a metal wire is inserted as part of the paper on
which note is printed.
(viii) Money Laundering : Money laundering, i.e., conversion of money secured
through illegal means into white money is the main method, which helps the economic
offenders. To facilitate transfer of the proceeds of crime which include narcotics trade,
smuggling of arms and explosives, hawala transactions have come to surface. The total
amount of money involved due to economic crimes is considerably higher compared to
the traditional crimes such as dacoities, burglaries etc. Money laundering for a layman
means conversion of dirty money into clean money. The Interpol as "Any act or
419
attempted act to conceal or disguise the identity of illegally obtained proceeds so that
they appear to have originated from legitimate sources describes it". It may also be
defined as "(A) engaging directly or indirectly in a transaction which involves property
by utilizing proceeds of crime, or (B) receiving, possessing, concealing, disguising,
transferring, converting, disposing off within the territories of India, removing from or
bringing into the territory of India the property i.e., proceeds of crime". Crime refers to
several IPC offences like waging war against the Government of India, murder,
attempted murder, voluntarily causing hurt, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, robbery,
dacoity, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, counterfeit currency etc.; certain
provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1983; NDPS Act, 1985; Foreign
Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and the Customs Act. 1962. The money
generated through 'crime' is liable to be confiscated by the State. The existing laws
relating to confiscation of proceeds of crime are found in different statutes. Till the
proposed money laundering bill is enacted, the confiscation of proceeds of crime can
be taken only under these laws. The important Acts in this regard are (A) Sections 102
and 452 of CrPC; (B) The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 1994 (Ordinance
XXXVIII of 1994); (C) Sections 111 to 121 of the Customs Act, 1962; (D) Section 68
of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985; (E) Foreign Exchange
Management Act, 1999 (Section 63); (F) Smugglers and Foreign Exchange
Manipulations (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976; (G) Section 20 of AP Control of
Organised Crime Act 2001. The illegal currency transfers via non-banking channels
are called hawala. It is an underground banking system. This medium is used for
overcoming the Government regulations on foreign exchange and also to conceal the
proceeds of illegal earnings.
(A) The Features : The features of money laundering are
A. criminals
distance themselves
prosecute them;
B. to prevent/delay the proceeds of crime from being confiscated, if the criminal is
caught;
C. enjoy the fruits of the proceeds without being noticed;
D. reinvest the proceeds in future criminal activity or in legitimate business;
420
(B) The Stage : The process by which money is laundered has three stages.
A. Placement - Physical disposal of cash proceeds for its placement into a financial
services institution.
B. Layering - Adding complex layers of transactions
C. Integration - Place the laundered money back into economy in such a way that it
appears as normal business earnings.
(C) The Agencies to Investigate Economic Offences : The methods of laundering
take the form of currency smuggling, real estate, gold and diamonds, shell companies,
tax havens, casinos, hotels, stores, wire transfer etc. There are various investigating
agencies to deal with corporate frauds and other economic offences. The Customs and
Central Excise, the Income Tax, the Directorate of Enforcement, the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are some of the agencies authorised under the
relevant Acts for investigation of cases. The criminal offences, which fall within the
IPC as also the other cognizable offences, which the police have been, empowered to
investigate, are the responsibility of the police. The investigation of these offences
requires a thorough knowledge of the procedures, laws and practice prevalent in
financial sector, taxes both direct and indirect, exchange regulations, functioning of
stock' markets, banking, non-banking financial institutions, audit and accounting,
computer technology etc. Next order contains instructions for guidance for
investigation of economic crimes by the police and the Investigation Units or CID.
a keyboard
a mouse
a digital camera
a microphone
fiscal nature is at times exceptionally fine. This fineness at times leads to the
perspective that unless there is a fraud, forgery and/or misrepresentation of
facts, it does not exactly fit into the ingredients of a criminal offence
punishable under the provisions of Indian Penal Code or other criminal Laws
but needs to be dealt with only under specific Laws of civil nature e.g. misuse
of telephone lines attracts a measure fine of Rs.1,000/- only under Telegraph
Act whereas it may result in loss of Crores of Rupees to Telecom Department
by dishonest use of such lines.
As the economic offence is normally an outcome of execution of a wellorganised pre-planned collective initiative, fixing liability for a crime on an
individual becomes difficult. Such infirmities more often than not benefit
only the white collar criminals. Most of the offences of criminal nature
provide for fines, penalties/confiscation of the crime proceeds, etc. by way
of adjudication proceedings and very rarely the fines, penalties or
confiscations are followed by criminal prosecution, specifically by Revenue
Dept., whose main focus is on generation of revenue and not criminal
prosecution of the offender. This mind set hardly acts as disincentive and
deterrence for criminals to repeat the crime.
The Public perspective of an Economic offence and a get rich quick syndrome
of majority of the public does not rob an offender of his prestige, social
status etc. e.g., an offender of Govt. Tax/Duties, a fraudster claiming higher
duty drawbacks by indulging in over invoicing of exports, an importer
diverting funds abroad by over invoicing of imports and receiving the
426
The legal doctrine of establishing the involvement of the criminal in the crime
beyond all reasonable doubts also makes the task of / bringing the white
collar criminal to book much onerous. Considering the nature of crime, the
conduct of the criminal prior to commission of crime as well as afterwards
and shifting the burden of proof on the cri mi n al after his involvement is
prima facie established by the prosecution, can go a long way in effectively
tackling the crimes of Economic nature
in view of the fact that statements made before the officers dealing with
administration of various fiscal laws such as Customs Act FERA/FEMA,
Income Tax Act, NDPS Act, Central Excise and Salt Act etc. , the violation
of which is normally the objective of Economic Crimes or the means to
commit a financial fraud, are admissible as evidence. Thus, suitable
amendment in Cr.P.C is the need of the hour.
Aggravating Factors
588. In India, the m u l t i p l i c i t y of agencies, lack of co-ordination amongst
them, lack of faith in each other, lack of expertise and commitment on the part of
Law Enforcement Agencies coupled with sudden spurt in opportunities for frauds on
opening up of economy, has resulted in virtual explosion in number of economic
crimes. Lack of permanent centralised data base of criminals accessible by all
investigating agencies concerned with investigation of economic offences has made
India very vulnerable for perpetration of Economic crimes of varied nature. A
Finger-print data Bank of all the citizens, while issuing the citizens ID Cards (As is
being contemplated by the Govt.) or while issuing election ID cards for citizens of
18 yrs of age and above, which should be connected through computer to all the
districts and offices of investigating agencies all over the country. This would make
the identification of the criminals very easy.
(ii) In containing economic offences there has been an overbearing approach for
428
cognizable offence.
vi. Discounting of cheques - It has been observed that in respect
of most of the frauds of economic nature, the funds are
siphoned off through Bank a/cs by resorting to discounting of
cheques through Cheque Discounting Agents who deposit the
cheques in their A/cs, withdraw the cash and return the same to
the Issuer. Discounting of cheques is done on a very large
scale. In Mumbai alone, as per the market sources, it is
believed to be of the order of approximately Rs. 100 Crores per
day. Restricting the
Legal Remedies
590. Legally it is becoming more and more difficult to deal with economic offences as
the specialisation
is
on
increase
with
employees
of
the
company
at
various
themselves by putting the blame on poor employees, who do not in any way gain due to
the crime committed by the company, but more often than not loose their livelihood.
It would be worthwhile to amend the Law to make each and every functional Director
of the company liable for cri min al prosecution in the eventuality of the commission
of an offence by the company, even though various steps in commission of crime
may
have
been taken
knowingly or
who
to prove the existence of mens-rea or criminal and dishonest intention needs to be done
away with as far as Economic offences are concerned. Once preponderance of
probabilities and predominance of adverse circumstances indicate involvement of an
individual in an Economic Crime the burden of proof should be shifted on him
prove his
to
forfeiture of the amount together with the market rate of interest on such amount from
the date of commission of Offence, resulting in deprivation of property, irrespective of
whether the victim is an individual, institution or the State, out of the properties owned
by Criminal, cither in his own name, in benami names or in the names of his minor
children, whether acquired out of crime proceeds of the crime under question or from
other sources would definitely reduce incidence of economic offences. It will act as
an effective deterrent for the white collar criminals in case the criminal has already
misappropriated the proceeds and does not have any tangible assets, of which the
prosecution is aware, the law should provide for a life term for such criminal unless
the loss is made good by him.
Infrastructure Development
591. To prevent Economic Crimes, it is also essential to develop a sound
infrastructure, which would deal with Economic Offences in systematic and logical
manner. Most of the Economic Offences are committed in very well-organised
manner and thus requires a very well-organised, systematic and professional approach
to deal with them. Some of the steps which can make the things improve can be
summarised as under :-
knowledge
in
Computer
applications,
432
foreign
exchange
iii.
iv.
Part investigation conducted through Interpol many at time do not give any
concrete results as a large number of economic offences in India are not an
offense at all under the laws of many foreign countries and they are not keen
to part with any information in such cases.
v.
Many a time a Govt. agency involved is not too keen to give a complaint.
Complaints let apart the investigation; even a case/crime is not registered.
vi.
vii.
Since most economic offenders are extremely rich and powerful, the legal loopholes
are fully exploited and sometimes, even investigation is stayed due to courts orders.
435
Chapter 27
Introduction
594. "Organised crime" means any continuing unlawful activity by an individual,
singly or jointly, either as a member of an organised crime syndicate or on behalf of
such syndicate, by use of violence or threat of violence or intimidation or coercion, or
other unlawful means, with the objective of gaining pecuniary benefits, or gaining
undue economic or other advantage for himself or any other person, "Organised crime
syndicate" means a group of two or more persons who, acting either singly or
collectively, as a syndicate or gang indulge in activities of organised crime. Organised
crime is committed against property, persons or human welfare, engineered by a
leader with members professing fierce loyalty. Organised crime in a large measure
affects law and order and public order. The terms mafia crime or mafia gangs are used
in common parlance to mean organised crime and criminal gangs. The collaborative
criminal activities by cohesive groupings in the underworld are known as organised
crime. This has assumed menacing proportions in large cities, more particularly the
metropolitan ones. These bands of criminals are continuously increasing their spheres
of activity territorially and functionally. This has enabled them to spread their
tentacles to lesser urban conglomerates on the one hand and conducive foreign
countries on the other. Escalation of organised crime is global in the sense that there is
immense mushrooming of organised criminal gangs all over the global landscape.
Organised crime has how become truly transnational and should no longer be taken
lightly as a localized minor disturbance.
Characteristics
595. Some of the groups are so well organized that they are able to perpetrate crimes
without being caught or punished. It means they must have certain code of conduct,
abilities, equipment, arms, and intelligence within the group and power to have their
way. Some times, they resort to elimination or threatening to the persons who come in
their way including witnesses, informers, police officials, lawyers or judge or
436
politicians or alternately try to buy their support by bribery and collusion. They
infiltrate into political parties and use muscle power to manipulate elections and even
occupy positions of political power. Therefore at the one end of spectrum there are
small criminal organisations operating in a limited sphere quietly and at the other end,
more sophisticated outfits with all attributes of a mafia gang. The purpose of
organised crime is mainly to make illegal money. These organised groups have a
complex network with well-defined structure and command and control and use force
or violence in perpetration of crimes.
Investigation Approach
596. Investigation into organised crime therefore calls for a highly professional
approach, intelligence and investigative skills and well knit coordination at interdistrict, inter-state and international levels. There are several laws to deal with each
one of these activities. It is necessary that the IO is familiar with those provisions of
law.
Legal Provisions
597. The legal provisions relating to confiscation of proceeds of crime are contained
in sections 102, 452 of CrPC, 111 to 121 of Customs Act, Section 68 of NDPS Act
and section 20 of AP Control of Organized Crime Act 2001. The Criminal Law
(Amendment Order 1944), Foreign exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA) and the
Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulation (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1976
also relate to forfeiture of proceeds of crime.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
the group has a common culture, a common bond and a common code.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Organized crime like any other enterprise, it supplied goods and service
declared illegal by government illicit sex, illegal alcohol and drugs and
usurious wares to voluntary customers in a supply and demand model. At
the same time, however, organized criminals use the proceeds from these
illegal activities to finance such related crimes as hijacking, extortion, the
resale of stolen goods, and the use of criminal tactics to monopolize
business and labour unions. The profits are also used to corrupt public
officials who in turn promote and protect the criminal activities.
i.
Organized crime has goals and objectives, strategies and tactics to attain these
ends and to minimize risk.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
Wealth, power and control are key goals of organised crime and may be
achieved through criminal activity of one or several types.
xiv.
Organized crime possesses capital for complex, long term, planned enterprises
and operations.
xvi.
Long term goals stress the maximization of profit and power through the
cartelization or monopolization of criminal enterprises and markets, as well as
control over legitimate business and sectors of economy.
xvii.
Police Perspectives
602. Organised crime is neither created nor sustained by the police though they may
perhaps derive certain benefit both legitimate as well as illegitimate from its
existence. They simply have no control over the causative factors that give rise to
organised crime or its growth. They can at best control and contain organised crime
which exists in every large city in a lesser or greater degree. It can be justifiably said
that organised crime grows with the growth of a city.
602.2 During the course of their duties as busters of crime the police do come in
contact with criminals either as suspects and accused or as informers. The total effect
441
(B) Special Task Force (STF) : A Special Task Force (STF) with whole time and
sole responsibility should be constituted to tackle organised crimes.
(C) Coordination and Cooperation : Organized crime operates across jurisdictions
of police stations, across states and even across the national boundaries, therefore, it
needs to be treated as a problem of national priority. It would require a high degree of
442
(E)
crime calls for a high degree of sophistication in the techniques of investigation and
sound knowledge of law and procedure. The Special task Force should have, as its
main component, a professional investigating team comprising experienced police
officers known for their knowledge of criminal law and procedure and a penchant for
meticulously and painstakingly carrying out an investigation. They should have the
necessary flair for writing, as in this kind of investigation preparation of case papers
in a methodical and systematic manner is absolutely necessary. These police officers
should be duly assisted by trained financial personnel like Chartered Accountants,
Financial Analysts etc. The Special Task Force should have strong investigative
ability, in addition to having ready availability of Forensic Science laboratory
assistance and aid of photographic and technical personnel as well as handwriting
experts.
(G)
timely criminal intelligence is the basis of any sustained campaign against organised
crime. A sound system need to be developed, for collecting strategic as well as
443
(a) Responsibility of this wing should be to act as store house for all reliable
information on criminal gangs and gangsters. A system should be developed
whereby all relevant information received from any quarters would
automatically flow to it. IT should get information on gang related crimes.
(b) Information on arrested gangsters and persons suspected to be involved in
some capacity in gang activities.
(c) Information on victims and property that is subject of gang crime
(d) Information about vehicles, weapons, houses, hotels, business place,
telephones etc. used by gangsters for their activities.
(e) Persons, establishments, enterprises, who are known or suspected to be
helping gang activities and,
(f) Particulars of the complaints received against them.
(g) A complete background files on gangsters and gangs to be used at some stage
in investigation and prosecution.
(ii) The STF intelligence wing should work out an integrated computer records system
which will, apart from storing vast information will bring speed to data
verification and would also help the investigator to quickly check a complaint in
hand against past complaints of related nature so as to get a picture of the
criminal's or gang's past criminal activities.
(iv) The information required by the police regarding the activities of the gangs fall in
two categories, First, information that can able gleaned from open sources such as
newspaper reports, articles and interviews appearing in news-magazines and
journals, business records pertaining to gang connected business enterprises and
so on. Second, information that is not openly available. Apart from the
information and knowledge culled out from interrogation reports, statements of
witness such information can be fruitfully collected through running sources or
paid informers.
(v) Important information about daily activities of the gangs can be likewise collected
by winning over persons living in localities where gang activities abound and
where a gang's headquarters is located. Such sources can be recruited from the
residents who had become victims of gang atrocities in the past or are sympathetic
to a rival gang. As a matter of fact most gangs collect information about the gangs
they are on inimical terms with in this manner. Itinerant sources, that is to say,
sources who visit such localities on the pretext of selling wares or services can
also collect information by observation or listening to chance unguarded
conversations.
(vi) As a long term measure, which can reap rich dividends, some budding young
criminals with promise can be persuaded to join the gangs. This can be done with
ease in jails where most new recruitments take place. When these persons reach
positions of vantage in a gang they can provide very valuable information. It is a
risky operation that requires professional handling.
(vii) It is, therefore, necessary to explore the possibility of using technological sources
especially because gangsters do make frequent use of technological innovations
the simplest and the most commonly used being the telephone. The police have
445
(ix) Actual physical surveillance can also be mounted either by using trained
policemen in plane clothes or hired auxiliary agents on gangsters when they are
on the move or in their known hideouts. Many hideouts, hitherto unknown
members and associates and rendezvous joints can thus be discovered.
Photographic evidence obtained during these surveillance errands can later be
used in a court of law to establish relationships.
(xi) The sources and informers who collect sensitive information, often risking their
lives, collect sensitive information, often risking their lives, invariably want to be
446
properly treated by the officers, who liaise with them and of course most of them
wants to be well paid the exception occasionally being those who want to seek
revenge through police. The police officers should keep all these points in mind
while handling informers.
(xii) The criminal intelligence wing should form the backbone of the anti-organized
crime campaign that the Special Task Force would be expected to launch and
pursue relentlessly.
(I)
understand and appreciated the nature of the problem of the organized crimes vis-vis their own roles in tackling that problem. The right step in this context is to educate
the whole police force about the true nature of the scourge of organized crime. Such
education should start as part of the basic police training to be imparted to police men
of all rank at various training schools. It should be made part of the syllabus. This
should be followed with periodic in-service short term courses that would update the
knowledge of the participants about the reality of the organized crimes and gangs and
the method/techniques for tracking the problems. Such training on organized crime
and its impact on policing may include following topics:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Entry of organized crime in legitimate business and its methods of doing so.
v.
How organized crime affects general crime scenario and its impact on society
in various fields, social, political and economic.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Citizen's role and obligation in fighting organized crime and the imperative
need for enlisting their involvement by the police.
603.1 Police officer in the Special Task Force should be given more intensive and hoto-o it kind of training in order to develop in acute insight and confidence to take
447
actual steps on the ground. Therefore, whenever officers are posted to the Special
Task Force they should be given an intensive orientation course preferably on the
following lines;
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
Modern technical devices and their practical use in intelligence and evidence
collection.
viii.
ix.
603.2 Some Special task Force Officers will have to be frequently apprised of the
latest techniques of commission of crime that have come to notice locally and
elsewhere, the countermeasures that have been found useful by actually examining
cases. They must also be made aware of the latest pronouncements of superior courts
that are relevant to organized crime investigation. A detailed critical analysis of the
cases that have ended in acquittal must also form part of regular briefings.
603.3 The staff posted in STF should be made to go through an intensive course in
firing with revolvers, pistols and automatic weapons. Familiarization with improvised
explosive devices should also form art of this course which may be held
simultaneously with or in succession to the orientation course. Regular firing practice
thereafter would be necessary in order to keep the officers in good trim.
603.4 The Special Task Force should apprise itself with the methods of operation of
professional kidnappers for ransom and the methods of tackling them. Apart from the
skills for rescuing a hostage from the clutches of armed gangsters without any harm
448
coming to him, the team would require ability to effectively intercept all forms of
communication which is an indispensable concomitant of this form of crime. Some
suitable officers should also be trained in the craft of persuasive negotiations or
arrangements made on standing basis to obtain service of experienced psychologists.
The rescue operation will also require the assistance of the commando unit.
to see that the officers posted in the Special Task Force do not get
contaminated by corrupting influences form outside and that they do not
blabber away sensitive information to unauthorized persons least it reaches the
gangsters. The cell should have the authority to conduct internal audits of
investigations, operations and other activities after obtaining clearance from
the Head of the STF. It should also have the authority to conduct an enquiry to
find out the kind of contacts and friends the STF personnel have or how they
spend their off duty time.
(K)
criminal activity is possible only when it is regarded as the joint and corroborative of
the criminal justice system. All components of the criminal justice system must be
sensitized to the need for active cooperation in curbing this kind of crime which has
assumed international proportions with monstrous possibilities for the future.
Orientation courses should be designed for all limbs of the criminal justice system.
Perhaps special courses for judges and government prosecutors can be run by apex
training schools or the State level every National Institute for Criminology and
Forensics Science at the National Level. In addition seminars conference, symposia
for police, prosecutors, judges and prison authorities both serving and retired, should
be periodically organized. Even social scientists and other researchers who have taken
interest in studying organized crime should be invited to contribute their ideas about
possible solution and make an input about people's perceptions. These seminars will
educate the participants about the current trends in organized crime and the damage it
is causing to the social fabric, the difficulties faced by each limb of the criminal
justice system in playing its respective part more effectively, and thereby work out
ways for greater cooperation. They may also throw up new ideas about more effective
methods and techniques of combating organized crime. Above all, it will on the one
hand enhance sensitivity of the whole criminal justice system and attract attention of
the public whose cooperation also is indispensable on the other.
(L)
trained special team will not be effective enough to crush organized criminal gangs
unless there is a special law or laws that would enable the police achieve their goals.
It is indisputable that the stringent provisions governing granting of bail are most
450
desirable in dealing with gangsters who cannot be easily arrested and who invariably
go underground when released on bail. In order to put the gangsters out of circulation
they must in the first instance not be released on bail and secondly, must be
expeditiously tried. This is possible only if there is special provision in the law for the
purpose. Organized crime can be effectively curbed when the gangs are hit at several
levels simultaneously. It would be necessary for the police to make out a case or cases
against most gang members especially those at the top for being members of an outfit
that is engaged in illegal activities. An organized criminal gang can really be broken if
the most important source of power, i.e. the ill-gotten money is attacked. Therefore,
legal provisions must exist that will enable the law enforcement agency to investigate
all benami assets of a gang and taken appropriate measures to seize and ultimately
confiscate such assets. Once a gang runs short of money several field operators who
risk their lives for the money they get in return will desert the gang. The greatest
difficulty in proving a case is in the prosecution not being able to produce convincing
evidence. This is one of the reasons for the poor rate of convictions in TADA Act
cases too. Witnesses do not generally come forward to give evidence before the police
and if they do it is only when they cannot avoid it or in rare case they do so in the heat
of the moment. Such witnesses invariably do not support the prosecution at the time
of the trial.
(M) The three Fold Approach to Seek Conviction : A three-fold approach is called
for obtaining conviction for criminals in viewed in organized crimes.
i.
ii.
should depose sincerest treats and honesty in a court of trial. They therefore,
need to be given adequate protection which need not be only physical.
Secondly, those witnesses who resile should be legally made accountable for it
in a manner that would deter others from following the same path.
iii.
The third most important thing that needs to be done is to increasing reliance
on scientific investigation that makes use of modern technology. There should
be adequate enabling in the law itself so that police are able to tap these and
produce the evidence thus available before the trial.
(N)
Justice not to be Delayed : Delays in court to take up a case for trial and
disposed off expeditiously by not holding hearings in quick succession belittle efforts
of the law enforcement agencies. The court procedures, therefore, have to be
streamlined and it should be ensured that a criminal does most merrily go on
committing crimes, intimidating and even killing witnesses. A criminal when gets
convicted promptly goes in appeal and when the appeal is admitted he is released on
bail. This practically nullifies the conviction. The appeal takes its own time to get
listed for hearing. At times even leniency is shown in awarding punishment. It is
necessary, therefore, that a minimum punishment that would by itself act as a
deterrent is laid down in law. Even prescribing minimum amount of punishment in the
body of the Act itself has not brought about any improvement due to disconcerting
lack of sensitivity towards social ills and over concern for human liberty to antisocial
elements and the criminals. It is emphatically stressed that a new law covering all
aspects of organized crime's multi-faceted and multi-dimensional activities, is the
crying need of the day. No attempt has been made here to submit a draft bill. Some
legal luminaries in the Govt. of India would surely undertake that task once the need
is accepted. It has to be realized, however, that a legislation that is intended to
effectively grapple with a social malady should not be left to the legal experts alone to
formulate. A comprehensive and holistic endeavour is required in the matter.
growth of organized crime will be halted. It has to be realized that the ultimate
prevention and control of any crime depends the citizen awareness and public
cooperation. The common public should be made aware of the danger that organized
crime poses to them. This will build public pressure that will ultimately squeeze out
organized crime. Similarly public spirited voluntary bodies should be enthused to take
p uprooting of organized crime as their primary task. These organizations in the first
instance should take up the responsibility of educating people about the sinister nature
of organized crime. Further, they can in conjunction with the police launch campaigns
to see that young men do not join these gangs. The public bodies can also serve as
eyes and ears of the law enforcement machinery. In other words they can serve as
intelligence sources and thus render yeoman's service to the cause of organized crime
suppression. As a corollary they should encourage witnesses to come forward and
help police. Later, they can help keep up the courage of these witnesses so that they
also truthfully depose during trial. These organizations should truly launch a citizen's
war on organized crime in which risky endeavour they must get whole hearted
support from the police. In order to institutionalize this arrangement it would be a
good idea for the city police chief to constitute an inter-action committee of activist
voluntary organizations and a few dedicated individuals. The Committee can discuss
action taken against organized crime, exchange views on what needs to be done and
formulate future police thrusts.
the Special Task Force and other units of police and Crime Branch so that the
Special Task Force gets the necessary support from other Units.
ii.
iii.
iv.
The Crime branch should have a small cell devoted exclusively to the task of
organizing these meetings and to ensure prompt follow up action. Since gang
activities are spread over more than one States a similar arrangement for
exchange of information must exist among all the affected States. The Central
Bureau of Investigation should act as the nodal agency for organizing such
interactions.
v.
455
(ii) Further, the police and the other law enforcement agencies in the country which
have a vital role to play and without whose willingness to support and cooperate the
police would be considerably handicapped, must launch a concerted attack on the
organised criminal gangs with a view to incapacitating the top leadership as well as
the lower echelons down to the foot soldier.
endeavour to secure for the leaders and the second line leadership as well long
sentences of imprisonment. Putting one or two top leaders of the gang behind bars
causes them only minor inconvenience, if at all.
(iii) The second front should be opened against their money power. Financially these
gangs must be crippled then only their back would be broken. This in fact holds the
key to success in the war against organized crime. A gang will collapse the moment
money and the ability to earn it cheap is taken away from it.
(iv) These important objectives cannot be achieved unless the police re-structure
themselves to create special units of dedicated professionals who are good at
systematic and painstaking investigations and at fighting it out in the streets when it
comes to that.
that takes into account the special problems created by the organised crime in
launching prosecutions and aims at destroying the menace, and by creating a socially
sensitive judiciary that would realise the need of the hour and contribute its share
which cannot be mean by any reckoning.
(vi) However, before any such grand national strategy is worked out it would be
necessary to study this phenomenon of organised criminal gangs formation and
activities in its various manifestations in other metropolitan cities as well as in rural
areas.
456
Chapter 28
Computer Basics
608. For dealing with computer related crime, it is essential for the police to have the
basic knowledge of computers. A computer is a machine that carries out logical
instructions in a predetermined manner. It is programmed to perform certain
operations and store large amount of information depending upon its capacity. The
computer networks consist of number of computers connected with each other by
various means and is capable of sharing and transferring information between one
457
The CPU
611. The central processing unit (CPU) can be described as mind of the computer. It
carries out the instructions that have been pre-programmed into it either by the user
or by software. In a typical personal computer, the central processing unit may
consist of one or more microprocessors - also called chips. It generally has memory
store, which is measured in units known as Kilobytes (Kb), Megabyte; (Mb),
Gigabytes, (Gb) and Terabyte (Tb). It also has unit which processes the information.
Central processing systems use "operating systems", which govern the way the
computer operates. Some of the popular operating systems are MS DOS, Windows,
UNIX, Linux etc. The memory is important component to the investigator- for this
is where evidence is likely to be obtained. The memory is generally classified as
temporary memory and permanent memory. Temporary memory is known as
Random Access Memory (RAM) or read/write memory, which can be altered or
erased The information contained in RAM is not saved or transferred to other storage
media and it is lost the moment power source in disconnected. The permanent
memory, known as Read Only Memory (ROM) cannot be altered or erased.
458
Computer Hardware
612. The mechanical devices that constitute the computer are called hardware. The
hardware can be seen and felt. The hardware consists of various inter-connected
electronic devices such as processors, video screens, printers and several other
peripherals such as disk drives, CD writers etc.
Computer Software
613. The hardware by itself cannot do any data processing. It requires electronic
instructions that drive a computer or any other hardware component to perform
specific tasks. Any computer software, information / data are organised in a structure
of files, software in programme files and information in data files. Though there are
number' of software programme, these can be broadly categorized into 'system
software' and 'application software'
Classification of Computers
614. The descriptions of various types of computers are given in the following
paragraphs:
A.
Super Computers: Super Computers are generally the largest and most
powerful computers made to process huge amount of data and carry out
large number of calculations per second.
generally use the Super Computers. Due to their size and cost, Super
Computers are very rare and only used by large corporations, universities
and government agencies.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Computers Networks
615. A network of computers can be defined as several computers connected with
each other through cables or wireless, so as to capable of sharing various kinds of
information / data. Generally, main types of networks i.e. Local Area Network (LAN)
and Wind Area Network (WAN) are in use these days.
460
A.
B.
Storage Devices
616. The data / information is often stored on what is known as storage media. The
hardware component, on which, data can be written and read from it, is also known
as storage device. There are two main categories of storage technology, which exist
today i.e. magnetic storage and optical storage. Certain storage devices / media may
employ both kind of technology. For detailed description, any standard book on
storage devices may be referred to.
461
Computer Crimes
619. Given the dynamic nature of information technology, communication
infrastructure and ever changing legal measures towards better effort to prevent
computer / cyber offences, the paragraphs that follow are not a comprehensive
description of computer crime. The police officers should consult computer/cyber
crime manual and also to refer to the latest legal provisions on the subject.
462
Computer Hacking
622. This is, also known as intruding or cracking, a practice of gaining unauthorized
access to a networked computer from a remote source. It involves decoding of
password, breaking into the system and unauthorized use of system. Electronic eves
dropping could also be used as a method by hackers for interception of computer
services. This is a serious problem as most major computer systems in the world are
on the computer network. By this method the offences that can be committed are
forgery, sabotage and unauthorized access for interception. Hacking is defined under
section 66 of I.T. Act 2000. In cracking, normally the perpetrator makes minor
changes in the programme, in violation of the copyright restrictions with the
objective of extracting information, illegally.
more
than
few
lines
of
numbers
or
letters
that
instruct
the
i.
ii.
across the boundaries of the country. The investigating officer must therefore
be extremely careful whenever he comes across a network of computers. It
may also be necessary to involve a computer expert at the earliest as
investigator may not be equipped to collect various kinds of data storage on
magnetic or optical media.
iii.
If the investigator has prior knowledge that the scene of crime which is going
to be searched would have computer systems or computer network in place, it
is advisable to contact the specialist computer crime unit of Crime
Investigation Department or computer forensic scientist of Forensic Science
Laboratory. In case it is possible, advanced information may be collected
regarding the make, model, operating system, network connections etc. being
used by the organization or individual, whose premises is being searched, as
this information could prove valuable. The information so collected must be
passed on to the expert, who can make necessary preparation that may be
required to collect evidence. This is necessary, as many a times, it may not be
possible to remove the computer systems physically and the data or
programme may have to be copied as per provision of Indian Evidence Act on
the crime scene itself. The investigator or the expert, who may accompany the
police personnel going for search should carry necessary media in the form of
disk, floppy disks, optical disks, tapes, tools, software, labels and other
specialized items and should carry necessary packing material, which can
prevent loss of evidence collected as offered on such media as data on
magnetic media can be destroyed by media, dust and electrostatic
environment.
iv.
which contains such computers could be sealed and guarded properly till
arrangement is made to collect the evidence.
v.
During the course of the search, the investigator must not, under any
circumstances, allow a suspect or accused to touch any part of the computer
system. It must be remembered that even a press of a key could erase the
entire data. These days, it is even possible to enter or delete data with the help
of remote keyboards and mouse. Hence care should be taken that suspect or
accused does not have possibility of passing any instructions to the computer
through any of such devices. Sometimes, it may be desirable / necessary for
suspect or accused to be present during the search to collect valuable
information especially if data is protected by user identities or passwords. In
such situations, the investigator must be careful to keep the suspect / accused
out of reach of computer system and must not try to recover data by using the
identities or passwords told by such person. He should invariably take help of
an expert under such circumstances.
vi.
Now-a-days, most of the computers are part of the network, which may be
connected through cables, radio links, telephone, fibre optics etc. In a network
individual computer systems may function as stand alone machines also may
contain significant data / programmes. On the other hand, the information
could be found elsewhere in a physically remote area as server connected in
the network. Therefore, it is important that help of an expert is taken to
identify where the storage is located. The type of storage arrangement in use
in a network would determine the search and seizure procedures. It is,
therefore, necessary that when a network environment is to be searched,
adequate technical personnel along with general investigator must be assigned
for the job. In case, it is found that the server or data storage is located outside
the boundaries of India, prompt necessary action has to be taken through a
competent court to issue a "letters rogatory" under the provisions of section
166(A) CrPC. The assistance of National Crime Bureau (N.C.B.) represented
by Central Bureau of Investigation may be taken in this regard.
466
vii.
It may therefore be necessary to ensure that the suspect / accused is not able
to temper with the information contained in the computers at the time of the
search. The investigator is well advised to take help of an expert to ensure
that all such connections are removed and data communication facilities
disabled at the earliest.
I. The system should be observed carefully and the name and the
model number of the system should be noted. It is necessary to
prevent loss or corruption of evidence and to ensure
preservation of quality of evidence.
V. Before disconnecting
and
dismantling
any
computer
468
stored data.
ii.
The investigator must ensure that all equipment tapes, disks, peripherals
etc. must be stored in a dust free environment under regulated
temperature. The investigator is well advised to consult an expert for
properly storing the equipment and other seized material. The
investigation into computer crimes should be done by police officers who
have the necessary experience and training in the field.
630. Section 44: Penalty for failure to furnish information, return, etc. If any
person who is required under this Act or any rules or regulations made there under to
(a) furnish any document, return or report to the Controller or the Certifying
Authority, fails to furnish the same, he shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding
one lakh and fifty thousand rupees for each such failure;
(b) file any return or furnish any information, books or other documents within the
time specified therefore in the regulations, fails to file return or furnish the
same within the time specified therefore in the regulations, he shall be liable to
a penalty not exceeding five thousand rupees for every day during which such
failure continues:
(c) maintain books of account or records, fails to maintain the same, he shall be
liable to a penalty not exceeding ten thousand rupees for every day during
which the failure continues.
631. Section 45: Residuary Penalty. Whoever contravenes any rules or regulations
made under this Act, for the contravention of which no penalty has been separately
provided, shall be liable to pay a compensation not exceeding twenty-five thousand
rupees to the person affected by such contravention or a penalty not exceeding
twenty-five thousand rupees.
632. Section 46: Power to Adjudicate. (1) For the purpose of adjudging under this
Chapter whether any person has committed a contravention of any of the provisions
of this Act or of any rule, regulation, direction or order made there under, the Central
Government shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), appoint any officer
not below the rank of a Director to the Government of India or an equivalent officer
of a State Government to be an adjudicating officer for holding an inquiry in the
manner prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) The adjudicating officer shall, after giving the person referred to in sub-section
(1) a reasonable opportunity for making representation in the matter and if, on
such inquiry, he is satisfied that the person has committed the contravention, he
472
may impose such penalty as he thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of
that section.
(3) No person shall be appointed as an adjudicating officer unless he possesses
such experience in the field of Information Technology and Legal or Judicial
experience as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(4) Where more than one adjudicating officers are appointed, the Central
Government shall specify by order the matters and places with respect to which
such officers shall exercise their jurisdiction.
(5) Every adjudicating officer shall have the powers of a civil court which are
conferred on the Cyber Appellate Tribunal under sub-section 58, and (a) all proceedings before it shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within
the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code;
(b) shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 345 and 346
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
633. Section 65: Tampering with Computer Source Documents. Whoever
knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly
causes another to conceal, destroy or alter any computer source code used for a
computer, computer programme, computer system or computer network, when the
computer source code is required to be kept or maintained by law for the time being
in force, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years, or with fine which
may extend up to two lakh rupees, or with both.
634. Explanation - For the purposes of this section, "Computer Source Code" means
the listing of programmes, Computer Commands, Design and layout and programme
analysis of computer resource in any form.
635. Section 66: Hacking with Computer System. (1) Whoever with the intent to
cause or knowing that he is likely to cause wrongful loss or damage to the public or
any person, destroys or deletes or alters any information residing in a computer
resource or diminishes its value or utility or affects it injuriously by any means,
commits hacking. (2) Whoever commits hacking shall be punished with
473
imprisonment up to three years, or with fine which may extend up to two lakh
rupees, or with both.
636. Section 67: Publishing of information which is obscene in electronic form.
Whoever publishes or transmits or causes to be published in the electronic form, any
material which is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect is such
as to tend to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant
circumstances, to read, see or hear the matter contained or embodied in it, shall be
punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to two years and with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in
the event of a second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to ten years and also with fine which may
extend to two lakh rupees.
637. Section 68: Power of Controller to give directions. (1) The Controller may,
by order, direct a Certifying Authority or any employee of such Authority to take
such measures or cease carrying on such activities as specified in the order if those
are necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act, rules or any
regulations made there under.
(2) Any person who fails to comply with any order under sub-section (1) shall be
guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding two lakh rupees or to
both.
638. Section 69: Directions of Controller to a subscriber to extend facilities to
decrypt information. (1) If the Controller is satisfied that it is necessary or
expedient so to do in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, the security
of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing
incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence, for reasons to be recorded
in writing, by order, direct any agency of the Government to intercept any
information transmitted through any computer resource.
(2)The subscriber or any person in charge of the computer resource shall, when
called upon by any agency, which has been directed under sub-section (1),
extend all facilities and technical assistance to decrypt the information.
474
(3) The subscriber or any person who fails to assist the agency referred to in subsection (2) shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term which may
extend to seven years.
639. Section 70: Protected system. (1) The appropriate Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, declare that any computer, computer system or
computer network to be a protected system.
(2) The appropriate Government may, by order in writing, authorise the persons
who are authorised to access protected systems notified under sub-section (1)
(3) Any person who secures access or attempts to secure access to a protected
system in contravention of the provisions of this section shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term, which may extend to ten years
and shall also be liable to fine.
640.
Section
71:
Penalty
for
misrepresentation.
Whoever
makes
any
misrepresentation to, or suppresses any material fact from, the Controller or the
Certifying Authority for obtaining any licence or Digital Signature Certificate, as the
case may be, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or both.
641. Section 72: Breach of confidentiality and privacy. Save as otherwise
provided in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, any person who, in
pursuant of any of the powers conferred under this Act, rules or regulations made
there under, has secured access to any electronic record, book, register,
correspondence, information, document or other material without the consent of the
person concerned discloses such electronic record, book, register, correspondence,
information, document or other material to any other person shall be punished with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may
extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
642. Section 73: Penalty for publishing Digital Signature Certificate false in
certain particulars. (1) No person shall publish a Digital Signature Certificate or
otherwise make it available to any other person with the knowledge that -
475
(a)
the Certifying Authority listed in the certificate has not issued it; or
(b)
(c)
(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be
punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years, or
with fine, which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
643. Section 74: Publication for fraudulent purpose. Whoever knowingly creates
publishes or otherwise makes available a Digital Signature Certificate for any
fraudulent or unlawful purpose shall be punished with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or
with both
644. Section 75: Act to apply for offence or contraventions committed outside
India. (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the provisions of this Act shall
apply also to any offence or contravention committed outside India by any person
irrespective of his nationality.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), this Act shall apply to an offence or
contravention committed outside India by any person if the act or conduct
constituting the offence or contravention involves a computer, computer
system or computer network located in India.
645. Section 76: Confiscation. Any computer, computer system, floppies, compact
disks, tape drives or any other accessories related thereto, in respect of which any
provision of this Act, rules, orders or regulations made there under has been or is
being contravened, shall be liable to confiscation:
645.1 Provided that where it is established to the satisfaction of the court
adjudicating the confiscation that the person in whose possession, power or control
of any such computer, computer system, floppies, compact disks, tape drives or any
other accessories relating thereto is found is not responsible for the contravention of
476
the provisions of this Act, rules, orders or regulations made there under, the court
may, instead of making an order for confiscation of such computer, computer system,
floppies, compact disks, tape drives or any other accessories related thereto, make
such other order authorised by this Act against the person contravening of the
provisions of this Act, rules, orders or regulations made there under as it may think
fit.
646. Section 77: Penalties and confiscation not to interfere with other
punishments. No penalty imposed or confiscation made under this Act shall prevent
the imposition of any other punishment to which the person affected thereby is liable
under any other law for the time being in force.
647. Section 78: Power to investigate offences. Notwithstanding anything
contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, a police officer not below the
rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police shall investigate any offence under this Act.
477
Chapter 29
ii.
Kidnapping & Abduction for different purposes (Sec. 363 - 373 IPC)
iii.
Homicide for Dowry, Dowry Deaths or their attempts (Sec. 302/304-B IPC)
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
(B) The Crimes under the Special & Local Laws (SLL)
649. Although all laws are not gender specific, the provisions of law affecting
women significantly have been reviewed periodically and amendments carried out to
keep pace with the emerging requirements. The gender specific laws for which
crime statistics are recorded in the country are :
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
The Causes
651. Some of the important causes for crime against women are following :
Lack of awareness
The Consequences
652. Crimes against women have serious consequences for the family, community,
society and the nation. Some of these consequences are following:
Low wages
The investigating officer must make careful enquiries to find out if other
evidence corroborates the statement of the victim. Corroboration may be
by direct or circumstantial evidence, which should, in addition to
confirming that the offence was committed, establish that the accused
committed it. Courts have generally found no reason to disbelieve the
statement of victim unless circumstances exist that prove her to be false.
Facilities are afforded during trial or other proceedings that enable the
victim to depose fearlessly and to overcome natural and societal
inhibitions, by in camera proceedings.
ii.
Immediately after the case of rape is reported, the FIR should be lodged
and the victim should be sent to the medical examination at the earliest
accompanied by a woman police officer. IO should remember that as per
the definition of the rape, it is not always necessary that rape is clinically
proved. Mere penetration is sufficient to constitute the offence of rape.
Hence absence of semen or injuries on the victim does not mean that rape
is not committed. When a woman submits to the commission of rape out of
fear or threat, obviously there will be no injuries or marks of resistance.
I.O. should also request the medical officer to whom the victim is sent for
medical examination, to examine the private parts of victim and for the
removal of semen or any hair from the vagina and pubic region. The
481
iii.
B.
Age
C.
D.
the place where the offence was committed, and whether her cries could
reach some one in the vicinity;
E.
F.
J.
in the case of young and unmarried girls ruptures of hymen and whether
the rupture is recent;
K. whether the victim has been infected with any venereal diseases, and
L.
The Accused
658. In the case of accused, following points should be noted :
A. age and physical development;
B. injuries to his person, face, neck, and in the neighbourhood of
genitals;
C. tearing of clothes;
D. presence of blood or semen stains on his person or clothes or pubic
hair. Blood and saliva should be collected for DNA if necessary.
E. injuries to the male organ ;
F. presence of foreign hair on the body/clothes of the accused;
record her statement in the presence of a female attendant. The victim should be
asked to show the exact scene of offence. This should be done in such a way that she
is least exposed to the public gaze. Collect the wearing apparel of the victim at the
time of commission of offence under panchnama and send immediately for medical
examination. Collect evidence regarding the prior illicit relation between the accused
and the victim if any. Protect the victim and her parents from the possible
intimidation, threats, coercion and reprisals by the accused or their supporters. Also
render the help that is possible to the victim in her rehabilitation. The determination
of blood groups may prove to be of invaluable help in the detection of rape cases.
The DNA finger printing provides convincing scientific proof in cases of rape.
Wherever necessary the samples should be sent for DNA analysis and opinion
should be taken in the manner prescribed in this regard.
a man having sexual intercourse with his own wife who is living
separately from him under a decree of separation or under any
custom or usage, without her consent;
B.
C.
D.
484
661.1 All the above "'four types of sexual intercourse except the first one are
cognizable offences but no arrest shall be made by a police official without the
orders of a court.
cases:
A. injuries to the body, such as scratches and bruises on face, neck and hands;
B. stains of semen on person or clothing;
C. presence of semen in the anus, particularly in young children;
D. injuries to, or in the neighbourhood of anus;
E. laceration of rectal mucus membrane,
F. infection of venereal disease present in the accused, and
G. presence of hair of the victim on the offender and vice versa.
H. In respect of child victims of either sex the procurer or persons who
arranged the transaction, the place of birth, parentage, sex and age of the
child; recovery of money or valuables from persons who are benefited;,
enquiries and evidence of parents and others at his/her native place as to
the procurement etc.
(iv) It is very important that the investigating officer should, in cases of rape and
unnatural offences, send the victim and the accused to the medical officer for
examination as early as possible. Clothing and other articles with semen or
blood stains in their possession must be seized, carefully packed and despatched
to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis and report.
Dowry deaths are defined in section 304-B IPC, It provides for cases of
death under suspicious circumstances within 7 years of marriage due to
cruelty and harassment of husband or his relations in matters connected
with dowry. Section 306 IPC deals with suicides of women due to
harassment of the husband or the in-laws. Section 498-A IPC deals with
cruelty and harassment to a woman by her husband or relations of the
husband, which causes mental or physical harm to her. Sections 113-A
and 113-B of Indian Evidence Act provide for a presumption to be raised
against the accused in these cases, thereby shifting the onus of proof of
innocence, to the accused from the prosecution. Section 174 (3) CrPC
provides for inquest by Magistrate in cases of death of women under
suspicious circumstances within 7 years of her marriage. Section 2 of the
486
Dowry Prohibition Act defines the word 'Dowry'. These are some of the
legal provisions, which should be thoroughly understood for investigation
into the cases of dowry deaths.
II.
III.
IV.
documents and all other material, which show evidence of harassment and
cruelty. He should also collect evidence relating to the receipt or
agreement regarding the dowry. Evidence in proof of marriage should
also be collected.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
The evidence of cruelty is the vital factor in the cases of dowry deaths.
Closest examination of independent witnesses apart from the relatives,
letters indicating the state of relationship between the victim and her
husband, the transfer of money through banks to the husband or his
relatives and their accounts, the purchases and assets acquired after the
marriage and their source would be necessary to establish not only the
transactions relating to dowry but also the cruelty exhibited by the
488
The
(II) Section 113A of Evidence Act raises presumption against her husband and his
relatives of abetment of suicide by a married woman. If there is cruelty as defined
in this section prior to the woman committing suicide within seven years of
marriage is established, the presumption is raised against her husband and other
accused.
(III) In the investigation of cases of this nature the 1O should pay attention to the
following points.
A. The complaint from the affected woman or her parents or brothers or
recognised women forum or sisters should be registered promptly.
489
B. The prosecution should establish that she is a married woman, that she is
subjected to cruelty and that it was by her husband or his relatives.
C. The evidence collected particularly the letters, notes, diaries, bank accounts
and other material objects should be examined and properly appreciated. All
witnesses who are likely to testify to the acts of harassment or cruelty should
be promptly examined.
D. The husband and his relatives should be examined.
E. The orders governing the arrest and search etc. contained in the Chapter 25
should be scrupulously followed.
F. Where there are injuries, the procedure prescribed for medical examination
and certificate should be complied.
G. Very often allegation of persistent demands for money or property is made.
Normally oral assertions are made and the IO should skillfully, by examining
as many witnesses as possible ascertain the correct situation. Such
circumstances as the woman being sent away or going away to her parents'
place, her disclosures to relatives and friends would be useful evidence.
H. The cases under this section are cognizable, non-bailable and of warrant
procedure tribal by a First Class Magistrate and also non-compoundable.
I. Where reconciliation takes place between wife and husband and the
application is made, the High Court u/s 482 CrPC, in exceptional cases, may
permit them to compound. But the wife is not permitted to withdraw the
charge sheet filed by police.
A.
E. The chits, papers or bank transactions if any, house owner's title, the rental
documents true or false, municipal records, details of previous cases in which
the accused may be involved should be collected.
F. The means of livelihood of the accused should be thoroughly investigated
including the adequacy or otherwise of such means to the style of life being led
by him.
G. The circumstances under which the girl has disappeared or left should be brought
out clearly.
H. Medical examination of persons found whether women or minors, male or female
should be got conducted.
I. Where offences under this Act or the Indian Penal Code are part of organised
crime, 120B I PC should be added.
J.
494
Chapter 30
Drug Trafficking
Introduction
666. Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are essential for human being and
animals. These are used as basic components in the manufacture of various types of
medicines. Different types of medicines whether sedatives, amphetamines or
hallucinogens have some form of narcotics or psychotropic substances as their basic
component. Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, thus, are used for the
diagnosis, cure and treatment of various diseases and their prevention in man and
animals both. However, the unscrupulous and criminals misuse and abuse of the
narcotics and psychotropic substances have created varied health hazards and health
problems, and have also triggered off a chain of activities leading to misuse, abuse
and smuggling of these substances locally, nationally and internationally. Police as a
chief of law enforcement agency are expected to play an effective and efficient role in
the area of prevention and detection of misuse, abuse and trafficking of the drugs.
495
E. Any Gazetted officer or any person entrusted with the warrant by a Gazetted
officer or when such person in case of emergency conducts search without
warrants, if the above persons are not SHOs, they shall forward the arrested
person and the material seized without un-necessary delay to the officer in
charge of the nearest police station (section 52) and the officer in charge shall
take charge of and keep in safe custody such articles pending the orders of a
magistrate (section 55). The arrested person shall be re-arrested and forwarded
to the nearest magistrate for remand (section 43 CrPC).
F. The failure on the part of the officer in charge of the police station to follow the
above procedure (order 680-1-5) or refusal to lake charge of such person or
material will render him liable for punishment up to one year or fine or both
(section 59 NDPS Act)
496
Sections 15 to 32 of the NDPS Act lay down the punishments for various
offences. Most offences except possession of small quantity for personal
consumption are punishable with minimum of 10 years and a maximum
of 20 years of imprisonment. Section 27, which deal with possession of
small quantity for personal consumption has lesser punishment. The
thrust of the Act is on trafficking, which include cultivation, manufacture,
transport, export and import of the drugs and their distribution. The Act
also provides for forfeiture of property derived from, used in illicit traffic
in narcotics for which detailed procedure has been laid down in sections
68-A to 68-Y. Section 52-A permits disposal of seized property after
taking an inventor/ and photographs which can be accepted as evidence as
they are certified by the concerned Magistrate.
ii.
The most important point to be proved in all cases of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances is possession of the drug. Any omission or noncompliance with the legal requirements laid down in the search or seizure
will vitiate the proceedings and may result in acquittal of the accused.
Whether it is transport, distribution or cultivation or manufacture, it is the
possession of the drug that has to be proved by the prosecution. Even
preparation, attempt, abetment and conspiracy relating to these drugs are
also punishable. The Act also provides for enhanced punishments for
subsequent offences.
brief
498
and
immediate
scrutiny
of
the
Preparation of Panchanama
671. Following points should be noted while recording Panchanama
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Give graphic description of the search operation e.g., who opened the
suitcase, who had the key, from where the incriminating documents or
contraband was recovered, how it was concealed etc.
11.
12.
Mention where and how the weighment of contraband goods was done.
Give gross weight, net weight.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Take signature of Panchas, officer writing the Panchanama and the person
being searched on tables pasted on contraband, exhibits and documents.
21.
22.
23.
1.
2.
3.
Samples from the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances seized must
be drawn at the place of recovery, in duplicate, in the presence of search
(Panch) witnesses and the person from whose possession the drug is
recovered and a mention to this effect shall invariably be made in the
Panchanama drawn on the spot.
4.
5.
6.
7.
After making such lots, in the case of Hashish and Ganja, if less than 20
packages/containers remain, and in case of other drugs less than 5
packages/containers remain, no bunching would be necessary and no
samples need be drawn.
8.
9.
Numbering of Packages/Containers
673. Subject to the detailed procedure of identification of packages/ containers, as
indicated, each package/container should be securely sealed and an identification slip
pasted/attached on each one of them at such place and in such manner as will avoid
easy obliteration of the marks and numbers on the slip. Where more than one sample
is drawn, each sample should also be serially numbered and marked as S-1, S-2, S-3
and so on, on both the samples. It should carry the serial number of the packages and
marked as P-1, 2, 3, 4 and so on. All samples must be drawn and sealed in the
502
presence of the accused, search witnesses and seizing officer and all of them shall be
required to put their signatures on each sample. The official seal of the seizing
officer should also be affixed. If the person, from whose custody the drugs have been
recovered, wants to put his own seal on the sample, the same may be allowed on both
the samples.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
All drugs must invariably be stored in safes and vaults provided with
double-locking system. Such godowns, as a matter of rule, be placed
under the overall supervision and charge of a Gazetted Officer of the
respective enforcement agency, who should exercise utmost care,
503
v.
drugs.
The
Inspecting
Officers
should
record
their
remarks/observations.
vi.
504