Guj assembly passes police reforms bill

Gandhinagar, July 20 (UNI) The Gujarat Assembly today passed by a voice vote the Bombay Police (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2007, which seeks to carry out major reforms in the state Police, including fixing of minimum tenure of DGP and IGP for two years, seperation of investigation wing from Law and Order and establishment of state security commission.

The need to amend the Bombay Police act was required following direction of Supreme court, which has strongly advocated the need for reforms in the police department. The Bill was piloted by state Home Minister Amit Shah.

The proposed bill seeks a minimum tenure of two years irrespective to date of superannuation for DGP and IGP of state police. However, specific conditions have been imposed for the removal of senior police officials.

The tenure of key police functionaries, including incharge of a police station, have also been fixed at two years. The Bill also envisages separation of investigating wing and law and order to ensure speedier investigation, better expertise and improved rapport with the people.

The Bill calls for setting up a state security commission, to be headed by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, to advise the state government on policy guidelines for promoting efficient, effective, responsive and accountable policing of police force in the state.

The Bill seeks consititution of the Police establishment Board for formulating guidelines for police force personnel on grievance of police personnel below the rank of DSP. It also called for constitution of establishment of state police complaints authority to look into the complaints against police officials.

The Bill also favours establishment of district police complaints authority in the event of police officials misusing or abusing their powers under the law.

UNI