POLICE REFORMS WATCH
Networking with Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi
43, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai - 400 029. l Tel : 98202 26227
Email : [email protected] l www.humanrightsinititiative.org
09/08/14
URGENT PRESS STATEMENT
POLICE REFORMS WATCH is dismayed at shocked at some of the unsavoury
happenings about Policing in Mumbai
The new Law -Maharashtra Police Amendment Act-2014 is not the answer
for Better Policing.
A public meeting to discuss and chalk out citizen's plan of action on
August 12 at 5.30 p.m at Indian Merchant Chambers Hall, opp. Churchgate Station.
VOTE FOR POLICE REFORMS.
Police Reforms Watch is dismayed and shocked at some of the unsavoury
happenings about policing in Mumbai in the last two weeks. This has not only
resulted in a negative image of the Mumbai but also has affected the comfort
level of the citizens and more specifically women to approach the police
authorities to redress their grievances.
On one side we have had the incident of the extortion bids by two of
the Khar Police Officers . Have our police stations become extortionist dens?
In the Khar episode, goondas were also part of this racket with the said police
officers in this alleged crime.
On the other hand have our Police Stations become "settlement courts"as
was reported in one of the newspapers. There should be more Citizen-Policing
initiatives to stem this rot.
We commend the Mumbai Police Commissioner in promptly suspending the
Khar Police Officers and transferring the Sr. Inspector besides sending a terse
message to all the police stations . Also another Officer from Bandra was also
promptly suspended for his alleged romance fling with an accused, but are
surprised why different standards have been applied to the DIG accused of rape?
Are there two separate laws of enforcement one for the small fry and
another one for the big one?
The New Police Amendment Act 2014 is not really an answer to Better
Policing.
Maharashtra is among the worse in terms of its record on the Supreme
Court 2006 directives on police reforms. Worse, inspite of our campaign, in
February 2014, the state passed the Maharashtra Police (Amendment) Ordinance
2014 (now an Act) which too does not comply with the Court's scheme, dilutes
accountability mechanisms and strengthens government / politicians’ control
over appointments, postings and interferences.
Our demand is that the state should go in for a comprehensive review
of the police act and involve the public through consultations.
Our campaign is now focusing on educating the public on key concerns of
the Act as well as of bad legislative practice (no debate and public
consultations were held before passing the Maharashtra Police (Amendment) Act
2014).
Do discuss what ails policing in Mumbai, the regressive new Police Law
and chalk out a plan of action for " Better Policing for a Safer Mumbai" a
public meeting is being held on Tuesday, August 12 at 5.30 p.m.at Indian
Merchant Chambers Hall, Opp Churchgate Station. This meeting is being hosted by
Indian Merchant Chambers in association with Commonwealth Human Rights
Initiative [CHRI], Public Concern for Governance Trust [PCGT] and Police
Reforms Watch. The key note speakers are Shri Julio Rebeiro former Mumbai
Police Commissioner and Ms Maja Daruwalla, Director CHRI. All are cordially
invited to join the campaign for "Better Policing for a Safer Mumbai"
Warm regards,
Dolphy D’souza
Convenor
