Who investigates police misconduct in India?

Asked by: Giles Satterfield  |  Last update: November 25, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (33 votes)

Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is a body that adjudicates allegations of improper or shoddy investigations, refusal to file FIRs, custodial torture and high-handedness against the police.

Where do I report police misconduct in India?

Police misconduct complaints should be submitted to the city commissioner's office if the victim wishes to file one against a police officer. Whenever a police officer fails to file a formal complaint, the victim may send the substance of the complaint, in writing and by postal service, to the Superintendent of Police.

What if police misbehave in India?

File a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission: If you are still not satisfied with the response received from the police authorities, they can file a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). The SHRC can conduct an inquiry and take necessary action against the errant police officers.

What is the punishment for police misconduct in India?

Rights to a person before he/she deals with Police

Section 29 of the Indian Police Act, 1861 states that if a person is at the end of the misconduct due to a police officer's omission of duty, the officer may be punished with up to 3 months' imprisonment and up to 3 months' salary penalty.

Can we record police officers in India?

The Indian Constitution does not explicitly prohibit recording police officers on duty, but there have been cases where individuals recording police activity have faced legal action.

Things You Need to Know When Dealing With Police | How to Complain Against Police | Nitish Rajput

45 related questions found

Can police check your phone in India?

Lawyer Sanketh Yenagi also said it's important to remember that it's illegal for the police to seize and check phones. “Article 21 of the Indian constitution provides for the right to privacy; it is the government's duty to protect it,” he said.

Can police enter your house in India?

Section 47 makes it lawful for policemen to break and enter into the residence of any person, in pursuit of an offender, when they have reasonable belief that the person they wish to arrest, has entered or is within the confines of such a place.

Can I sue a police officer in India?

One of the forms of external mechanism for holding the police accountable for misconduct is through the courts, where complainants can directly sue police officers for alleged abuse of powers. The police can be held liable under criminal law, public law or through private tortious liability.

Can I argue with police officer in India?

Never indulge in a fight with a police officer, despite being the fact that you know that the police officer is wrong, Just be Calm, Polite and Humble all the time. Whenever there is a situation where a victim is needed to go to a Police Station to Complain Against a Police Officer, always take a lawyer with you.

Can you sue cops in India?

Alternatively, a suit for damage to reputation, income, mental and physical torture, and violation of fundamental rights can be filed against a police officer, and courts may award some compensation. In India, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to calculating the quantum of compensation.

What happens after police complaint in India?

Upon lodging an FIR, police can arrest the accused (without needing a warrant from Magistrate court) for conducting an investigation or questioning him. If the investigation is not completed within 24 hours, the police need to produce the accused before the Magistrate court (within 24 hours from arrest).

Can you defend yourself if a police officer hits you in India?

Section 96 and section 97 of Indian penal code gave right of self defence to everybody to protect his own body or others body and protect his property and others property subject to the limitation as envisage in section 99 of IPC that means your act of private defence should be reasonable and not excessive at any point ...

How do you deal with a rude police officer?

Just keep your cool, and keep your conversation short. And remember: it's within your rights to refuse to answer questions without an attorney present. Convey your understanding of your rights to the officer in an even tone and calm manner—repeatedly, if you have to.

What is the most common complaint against police?

The most common state claims brought against police officers are for false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and use of excessive or unreasonable force.

What can I do if police harass me in India?

File a Writ Petition in the High Court - With the help of a lawyer, you may also file a writ petition in the High Court of your state if the police officer refuses to take action or file your complaint. This will oblige the police officer(s) to show cause or reasons for not filing your complaint.

How can I lodge a police complaint in India?

The complaint can either be written beforehand by the complainant, taken to the police station and have them informed that a complaint needs to be filed or the complainant could go to the police station and present the information to them orally, which will then be written down by the police.

Can police interrogate you without lawyer in India?

Section 41D of the Code of the Criminal procedure (Cr. P.C.) provides that when any person is arrested and interrogated by the police, he shall be entitled to meet an advocate of his choice during interrogation, though not throughout the interrogation. Section 303 of the Code of the Criminal procedure (Cr.

What to do if police is not taking action in India?

File an application under Section 156(3) CrPC: If the police still do not take action, you can file an application before the Area Magistrate under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The Magistrate can then direct the police to register the case and investigate it.

Who can control police in India?

The entire police-establishment under a State Government is deemed to be one police-force. supersede or control any police functionary. The superintendence of the police has to be exercised by the State Government.

What is the legal accountability of the police in India?

Liability under law

A police officer abusing his authority to violate the right to life and liberty, protection against discrimination, protection against arbitrary and illegal detention, freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India etc.

What is the accountability of police in India?

1 Under the Constitution of India, the 'Police' are a State subject. 2 This means that they are the responsibility of State governments. The organisation and working of the police forces are governed by rules and regulations framed by the state governments.

Can police go out of their jurisdiction in India?

The police officer must take the prior written permission or on phone of the superior officer to go out of the state or union territory to carry out the investigation.

Can police take photos of you in India?

Such action is illegal and unconstitutional

It does not permit taking photographs of persons by police, except those who have been arrested or convicted of a crime, or sharing such photographs with any other law enforcement agency.

Can police film you without consent in India?

But the acts done by police officers on duty and in the discharge of their functions cannot be considered to be violating their personal autonomy. Thus, they do not come under the purview of the right to privacy.

Is it illegal to walk outside at night in India?

In India, there are no national laws that restrict people from roaming freely at night. However, certain states and cities may have local laws or regulations that impose restrictions on movement at night for security or other reasons.