Srinagar, Feb 28: The Public Interest Litigation Forum has filed a PIL in the High Court seeking drastic legal and police reforms.
A petition filed by convener PIL Forum, Advocate G M Wani, said: “Under the obsolete laws like Police Act 1927 the respondents have failed in their fundamental duty to provide public with effective and aboveboard police services which could ensure an environment of safety and security by upholding the rule of law.”
It said, “The High Court should issue an order directing the government to implement Apex Court directions reported in SCC 2006 volume VIII page 1, for reformation of the police force.”
Praying that the changed political, economic and social scenario of the state demand drastic reforms in the police and the laws, the petition said, “Exploding population, rising crime, violence, rapid urbanization and evolving aspiration of a modern democratic society have necessitated enactment of a new Police Act.”
It said the ‘mediocre’ policing had resorted to brutality and torture, extrajudicial executions, impunity, discrimination besides public fear, anger and resentment in the state.
Seeking that the role and functions of the police need to be redefined, the petition said police should perform their duties free from pressures and investigation work must be separated from law and order task. The government should ensure the protection of professional independence of police for its efficient functioning as an impartial agent of law of the land, the petition said.
In the petition, petitioner has mentioned several cases pertaining to law and order problems in which police had failed to deliver. It said, “The police succeed to damage all evidence about triple murders against Rashid Billa, who was left at large for years to ensure his acquittal in the court.” Police failed to recover 3-year-old, Mehran of Habba Kadal, who was kidnapped on May 10, 2008, it said.
The petition said, “Verification certificates about non involvement in crime and subversion are issued to individuals and groups for cash.” It said police had failed to nab the thieves in Kupwara where in December 2009 over two hundred burglaries were committed.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST