The State Cabinet has cleared the formation of the State Security Committee. The committee will be headed by the Chief Minister.
This was submitted to the Karnataka High Court on Friday by Home Secretary T. Suneel Kumar. The court had summoned Mr. Kumar to ascertain the reasons for the failure of the police to nab absconders and suggest measures to tone up police administration.
In a note placed before the court, Mr. Kumar said apart from the Chief Minister, the committee would comprise the Home Minister who would be the Vice-chairman and the Leader of the Opposition, a retired High Court Judge appointed by the Chief Justice of the High Court, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the Home Department as members.
It said the Director-General of Police (DGP) would be the ex-officio member of the committee. It said the committee is being formed following the direction of the Supreme Court.
The note said a Police Establishment Board is being set up under the chairmanship of the DGP for effecting transfers and postings of police personnel from the rank of a constable to sub-divisional police officer.
It suggested that the ratio of the police force to the population of the State be reviewed every 10 years and a three-shift system be introduced for constables. It said certain police duties like guards, VIP escorts, service of summons and notices received from various non-police organisations and departments and other than criminal courts be outsourced.
It also suggested the creation of a separate wing with separate staff to exclusively deal with issue of summons and warrants. Besides, the office of the Superintendent of Police and sub-divisional police may be provided with legal officers to ensure that charge sheets are legally vetted before they are filed in court.
