Court tells police to book cases under relevant laws

The High Court of Karnataka on Friday directed the Director General and Inspector General of Police to ensure that the police follow proper procedures and invoke relevant laws while booking cases.

During the hearing of a petition pertaining to a dacoity case, Justice Sreedhar Rao observed that officers of the rank of deputy superintendent of police or additional superintendent of police must supervise investigations right from filing first information reports till the filing of charge sheets.

On March 13, the Court had directed DG and IGP Lalrokhuma Pachuau to appear before the Court in connection with the matter. Accordingly, the officer was present in the court hall during the hearing on Friday. The Court directed him to ensure that higher officials guide subordinates in registering cases and investigation process.

The Court said the officials should direct the subordinates to conduct identification parade in a proper manner. “If there is any violation, action should be initiated against the investigation officers concerned,” the Court said.

The Court, while pointing out that invoking wrong Acts lead to acquittal of criminals, said: “While invoking more serious Acts in an incident which invites larger punishments, there is no need of invoking Acts which attracts minor punishments.”