Tamil Nadu BJP Calls for Creation of Special Court to Investigate Police Misconduct
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Chennai, Dec 17 (NationPress) The spokesperson for the Tamil Nadu BJP and prominent leader, ANS Prasad, has insisted that the state administration take steps to create a special court tasked with examining cases involving police officers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Prasad emphasized that in order to enforce the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, the Government of Tamil Nadu should establish a special court aimed at investigating allegations against police personnel.
He highlighted that this initiative is vital in averting circumstances where citizens could be falsely accused and subjected to police brutality.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court of India has issued a pivotal judgment, allowing for the filing of cases against police officers who wrongfully implicate individuals.
ANS Prasad stated that this groundbreaking ruling is intended to mitigate the abuse of authority by police officials and safeguard individuals' human rights.
In light of this ruling, the Tamil Nadu government must promptly set up a special court to hasten the proceedings of such cases and ensure swift justice, asserted the BJP leader.
He remarked, “This will not only strengthen the rule of law but also enhance public trust in the justice system.”
Prasad pointed out that the Supreme Court's judgement, which declared that prior approval is not necessary to prosecute police officers accused of filing false charges or fabricating evidence, is a measure to prevent police officers from misusing their authority.
He affirmed that the apex court's ruling establishes a significant precedent for ensuring accountability among law enforcement officials and curbing the misuse of power.
According to Prasad, the panel, which included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, ruled that the protection outlined under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) does not apply to police officers who misuse their powers.
He emphasized that fabricating evidence or lodging a false case does not fall under official duties, and thus, police officials cannot claim immunity under Section 197, CrPC.
ANS Prasad regarded this ruling as a commendable step towards ensuring that police officials are accountable for their actions.
He noted, “It will aid in preventing the misuse of power and safeguarding the rights of innocent individuals.”
The BJP leader asserted that the Supreme Court's ruling is a critical advancement in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public servants adhere to their official responsibilities.
In light of this decision, the Tamil Nadu government must take immediate steps to inform and educate its police force regarding this new directive.
He urged the state administration to formulate guidelines and protocols that highlight the significance of fair and lawful policing.
Furthermore, the state government must guarantee that police officials who engage in misconduct face consequences for their actions, Prasad remarked.
He suggested that to raise awareness about this new directive, the Tamil Nadu government should leverage various media platforms, including television and social media.
ANS Prasad noted that this would help to inform the general public, especially in rural regions, about their rights and the protections afforded to them under the law.
He concluded that ultimately, the Tamil Nadu government has a duty to uphold the rights of its citizens and ensure that the police force operates fairly and lawfully.
The BJP leader mentioned that the recent withdrawal of police protection for Justice S. Manikumar, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission, has raised alarms regarding the safety of human rights defenders in the state.
He stated that this incident not only jeopardized Justice Manikumar's safety but also undermined the commission's independence.
He further argued that the Tamil Nadu government's failure to protect Justice Manikumar, a former High Court judge, questions its commitment to safeguarding human rights defenders. This situation has sparked concerns over the safety of ordinary citizens seeking justice from the commission.
Prasad remarked that the Supreme Court's landmark ruling has established a precedent allowing individuals to approach the courts directly for protection against police intimidation and harassment.
The BJP leader also said that this judgement has reinstated human rights defenders' faith in the judiciary and has sent a robust message to the state government to respect the independence of the human rights commission.
