Police officers tasked with investigation and filing of charges should honour summons from courts by turning up on the date mentioned, State Police Chief (SPC) T.P. Senkumar has said.
This is vital for the timely disposal of cases, he said in a directive issued on Monday.
The failure to honour summons would lead to delay in disposing of cases, create a heavy backlog of cases, and delay the delivery of justice, Mr. Senkumar said. He warned of strong action against officers who failed to honour summons without valid reasons.
The directive was being issued as police officers ignoring summons on flimsy grounds had become a regular practice.
Appearance could be postponed if the officer concerned had serious health problems, or if he was on election duty. It could also be postponed if the officer was attached to the security of a very important person (VIP), the SPC’s order said.
If there was a law and order problem in the jurisdiction of the officer summoned by the court, the senior officer should be informed of the summons.
Officers up to the rank of assistant sub-inspector could henceforth skip a ‘summoned duty-wise’ court appearance only with the permission of the District Police Chief. Officers above the rank of sub-inspector could skip appearance with the permission of the range Inspector General of Police (IG), he said.
Duties detailed
The duty of a police officer does not end with investigating and chare-sheeting a case. Officers had to help courts dispose of cases early, he said. Mr. Senkumar asked the IGs and Deputy Inspectors General to keep a close track on this important duty of officers.
If officers summoned by a court were unable to appear due to other pressing engagements, the respective court should be informed well in advance, the directive said.
IGs, DIGs asked to keep track of court duties
Inform courts in advance of absence: Senkumar
