Himachal Police mull litigation fund to help cops

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Police is contemplating to setup a fund to help cops to fight their cases in court. This litigation fund will be used to assist police personnel facing official or personal litigation due to their job.

A meeting of Joint Coordination Committee cum Welfare Committee was held in the police headquarters last week, where it was suggested to have a common fund since many cops could not afford to contest litigations.

“Some police personnels face false complaint cases since they do their duty sincerely and they do not have the resources to contest court cases,” said SR Mardi, director general of police (DGP).

He said a panel will be setup to decide whether who qualify for the assistance under the litigation fund. “We have also sought suggestions from cops in this regard,” he added.

When asked if the cops in judicial custody for Kotkhai rape and murder case, would also be facilitated under such fund, the DGP clarified that the assistance would only be given to those who have been facing the false cases. “Those cases where prosecution sanction has been given by the government or police department will not be covered under this fund,” said Mardi.

Another senior police officer, who wished not to be named, said the suggestion had come from the DGP that a system needs to be developed to assist the cops facing cases.

“It has been noticed that false complaints, litigations are filed against cops. In many cases, when police officer do not succumb to any pressure, they are subjected to such kind of tactics,” he said.