Following the Rajasthan High Court’s directions, the state police have initiated steps to implement major structural reforms. During a hearing, ADG V.K. Singh informed the court that the DGP has constituted a committee to execute the court’s orders. The committee has recommended establishing separate wings for law and order, investigation, and administration at police stations. As part of a pilot project, 20 police stations have been selected for implementation.
The report submitted before the court highlighted that investigating officers in urban police stations are currently handling 40 to 70 cases each. It also noted that the conviction rate in crimes against women and property-related offences remains between 40 and 50 percent. Taking these concerns into account, the High Court issued guidelines for improving police administration and directed the Director General (Law and Order) and other senior officers to appear through video conferencing at the next hearing on July 21.
Justice Anoop Kumar, while hearing a criminal petition filed by Prem Prakash, observed that investigations are being delayed due to the lack of adequate forensic laboratories in the state. Police often have to rely on forensic reports from laboratories in other states, resulting in prolonged investigations and providing opportunities for accused persons to exploit such delays.
The court emphasized that delays in investigation violate the constitutional right to a speedy trial. It observed that investigating officers are burdened with both investigation and law-and-order duties, making it difficult to perform either function effectively. Stressing the need for reform, the court said the number of investigation staff should be increased, forensic facilities strengthened, and investigations expedited.
The High Court also noted that the recommendations of the 154th Law Commission Report and the Supreme Court’s directions in the landmark Prakash Singh case, issued nearly two decades ago for separating investigation from law-and-order functions, have still not been fully implemented.
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