HC seeks report from TN home secy on number of criminal cases against police officials
The judge observed that as per the 2025-26 policy note of home, prohibition and excise department, considerable resources are being spent for the computerisation of the police department and the maintenance of records through electronic systems. Further, Rs71.48 crore has been allotted for the digitisation and integration of records in the state police department. The judge observed that, therefore, the court had earlier directed DGP to file a report on the number of criminal cases pending against the police officials and how long the same are pending.
Madurai : Taking a serious view of the fact that director general of police (DGP) failed to submit a report on the number of criminal cases registered against police officials, Madras high court directed home secretary to file a report. The court was hearing a petition filed by M Sowntharapandian challenging the order by which he was denied appointment to the post of grade-II police constable on the ground that a criminal case was pending against him. The court also sought details of the departmental proceedings initiated, if any, as against the police officials who were involved in the criminal cases, and their details. The court is unable to understand how the aforesaid particulars are not available with the police department. State govt has received Rs141 crore under the modernisation of the police force scheme (MPF). Resultantly, FIRs are registered through online mode and the subsequent stages of criminal proceedings, including filing of final reports, are also capable of being submitted and retrieved electronically. When such systems are in place, the particulars of criminal cases involving serving police personnel and the corresponding disciplinary proceedings should also be capable of being ascertained from the records maintained by the department, the judge observed. The judge observed that if DGP is not in a position to furnish the aforesaid particulars, the court expects a report from home secretary. Hence, the judge directed home secretary to file a report on the number of criminal cases pending against serving police personnel, the period for which such cases have been pending and the corresponding details of disciplinary proceedings initiated, pending and concluded against such personnel.
However, the report was not placed before the court.