PANAJI
It’s a repeat! The much-awaited Police Bill will once again not be tabled in the Assembly session that begins on Monday. The bill “ that lapsed after the dissolution of the Assembly in 2012 - has been pending for 15 years despite successive governments fully aware that its passage is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in the police force.
COP CONTROL?
Despite the pressing need for police reform, the State governments over the years have consistently failed to introduce the bill during their respective tenures. The reasons for this delay are not hard to fathom. Moreover, a lack of vocal opposition has also been a significant impediment.
“Many politicians are reluctant to give up any control over police postings and transfers. As a result, political leaders cutting across the party lines are hesitant to support the bill fearing it would undermine their control over the department,” sources said.
AIM
The bill aims to overhaul the archaic system and bring it in line with modern policing standards. Once it elevates into law, the State Police Complaint Authority will be replaced with police accountability authority to oversee the functioning and ensure that police officers are held accountable for their actions.
FIRST DRAFT
The State government drafted the Goa Police Bill in 2008 and introduced it in the Legislative Assembly in 2009. It was immediately sent to the Select Committee, which was headed by the then Home Minister Ravi Naik who was then with the Congress party. Since then the bill has not become a reality.
FAST REWIND
Way back in 1995, the then government had planned to pattern the bill on the Singapore model. After several hurdles within the State owing to some controversial provisions, the bill was sent to the President for assent. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam rejected the Bill.
“During his address in the Goa Legislative Assembly, former MLA late Jitendra Deshprabhu asked President Kalam the status of the police bill sent to his office. On his return to Delhi, Kalam sent a communiqué that the bill had been rejected. While reasons are still in the file known to the respective governments, it is learnt that the bill did not meet the criteria required for the transparent functioning of the police force. Hence, the government had to re-draft the bill,” sources said.
In 2006, a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in Prakash Singh v/s Union of India ordered police reforms across the country.
It was at this time that the then State government introduced a new provision to comply with the SC order, wherein the Police Establishment Board will be given the sole responsibility to decide about the postings. This meant that political interference would be literally shown the door. The bill has since then only seen tarikh pe tarikh as this time too it will not be tabled in the assembly.
