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Directs State to Form Separate Wings for Crime Investigation and Security
In a significant push for administrative reform in law enforcement, the has reinforced its mandate for the state government to bifurcate the police force. Presided over by Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand, the court highlighted that the current practice of assigning crime investigation duties to personnel burdened with law and order responsibilities is a primary cause for the long-drawn-out .
The Necessity of Separation
The judicial intervention stems from a persistent observation that are often unable to manage dual roles effectively. The Court noted that in the modern era, as criminal activities become more complex and technologically driven, the police force must evolve. The absence of adequate, modern investigation labs and the reliance on out-of-state facilities have compounded delays, ultimately infringing on the of the public to a .
Referencing the landmark decision in , the Court underscored that the separation of these wings is not merely a policy suggestion but a requirement for the .
A Pilot Project for Change
Under the directive of the High Court, the has proposed a pilot project to divide police stations into three functional units: Law & Order, Investigation, and Administration. The state has identified 20 police stations across 16 districts—including key stations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur—to test this structure.
The State Government has communicated that creating the required 828 additional posts for this transition currently awaits clearance from the . Highlighting the urgency, the Court has impleaded the Principal Secretary of the as a to ensure immediate attention to the necessary .
Key Observations from the Court
The Court’s stance emphasizes that without specialized focus, justice remains delayed and inaccessible. Several observations define the urgency of the ruling:
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"The Investigating police shall be separated from the law and order police to ensure speedier investigation, better expertise and improved rapport with the people."
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"The State is under constitutional obligation to provide adequate infrastructure for fair and speedy investigation as the delay in investigation, due to lack of adequate infrastructure for investigation, violates the right of and speedy trial."
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"It is essential to lay down guidelines to be operative till the new legislation is enacted by the State Governments."
Looking Ahead
The has clearly signaled that systemic delays will no longer be tolerated under the guise of resource constraints. By demanding a formal report from the Finance Department, the Court intends to ensure that the proposed segregation moves from bureaucratic planning to operational reality. The matter is set for further hearing on , where the state must provide a status update on the necessary financial approvals, ensuring that the wheels of justice turn with the efficiency the public expects and the Constitution demands.
