Expert Committee on Police Act to submit report next month

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) The Expert Committee, which has been entrusted with the task of drafting a new Police Act in place of the antiquated legislation of 1861, will submit its report by May this year, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said here today.

Addressing a Conference of Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) on internal security and law and order, he said the Government's consistent approach had been to periodically improve criminal laws and procedures to make them compatible with the requirements of modern times.

He said the proposed new Police Act should aim to bring about transparency and accountability in the functioning of the police.

"Concerns of weaker and vulnerable sections and issues regarding human rights violations, gender sensitisation are to be kept in view while drafting the new Police Act," he said, while asking the states to send in their views and suggestions to the committee.

Mr Patil said the Government was considering establishment of a first-ever National Police University with a view to offering not only specialised courses to the police personnel but also a full fledged research and development wing to catalyse police reforms and undertake high quality research and analysis of internal security-related issues.

He said 2.2 million police personnel engaged in maintenance of peace and internal security in the country were required to have indepth and sound knowledge of their areas and activities to face the daunting challenges of militancy, terrorism, organised crimes, economic crimes, corruption. "While some of the existing universities in India do cater to exclusive subjects like agriculture, language etc, there is no university which offers specialised courses in policing." Without directly mentioning the acquittal of all the accused in the sensational Jessica Lall murder case, Mr Patil said the Centre would try to put in place a legislative framework to protect witnesses and prevent them from turning hostile. Witness protection "is the cornerstone of any criminal justice system." The new framework would provide basic minimum facilities in police stations and courts. Avoiding adjournments to minimise inconvenience, extending due care and courtesy would also enhance the confidence of witnesses in the criminal justice system.

Mr Patil said the police needed a national perspective while operating at the local level.

For improved management of security environment, "well- trained and equipped state police forces and improved intelligence machinery are a must to effectively deal with internal security and law and order situation," he said while pointing out that naxalite menace is still a matter of concern.

He asked the states to take effective steps to check spread of Maoists network.

UNI SH RP HT1657