In the instant case, a woman complainant on October 2, 2013, went to Ashti Police Station in Wardha district to lodge a complaint against Nayab Tehsildar over some matter. However, the Police Inspector of allegedly refused to register the complaint of the woman. According to her, the Nayab Tehsildar was possibly the Police Inspector’s friend and therefore he did not take any cognizance of her complaint. The woman had moved the High Court in this respect.
Nagpur News: The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has taken a serious note of the nagging and nasty problem of irresponsible attitude police towards complainants. The High Court has directed the Maharashtra Home Secretary to initiate firm measures like installing CCTV cameras in police stations in order to have watch on concerned policemen and effectively deal with the difficulties faced by complainants.
In the instant case, a woman complainant Shilpi Sharma (name changed), on October 2, 2013, went to Ashti Police Station in Wardha district to lodge a complaint against Nayab Tehsildar over some matter. However, the Police Inspector of Pramod Pachkawde allegedly refused to register the complaint of Shilpi. According to her, the Nayab Tehsildar was possibly the Police Inspector’s friend and therefore he did not take any cognizance of her complaint.
Moreover, according to the complainant Sharma, Pramod Pachkawde used abusive language against her and flatly refused to register the complaint. Red-faced with the Police Inspector’s behavior, Sharmamoved the High Court and filed a petition in this respect with the help of Adv. Shailesh Narnavre and Adv Akash Moon. The District Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association took the matter seriously. The High Court reportedly has ordered the higher police authorities to take immediate action against the irresponsible police officer. The High Court has also issued a notice to State Home Secretary directing him to initiate firm measures like installation of CCTV cameras in the police stations across the State that would effectively deter police personnel from behaving indecently against the complainants, specifically the women complainants.
During the hearing on Monday before the Double Bench of Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice C. V. Bhadang, the Prosecution informed the High Court that Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and Home Secretary held a meeting on the instant issue and the measures like installation of CCTV cameras in police stations is under process. The top officials have sought one week’s time for arriving at a firm decision. However, the High Court, apart from directing installation of CCTY cameras, has issued orders to find a permanent solution to the ever increasing problem of police negligence and irresponsible actions on the part of police against complainants as soon as possible.
