Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Mediators for women police stations

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has suggested to the Police Department/ Government that social workers/ mediators with experience may be nominated and housed in the premises of All Women Police Stations (AWPS) along with Dowry Prohibition Officers.

Justice R. Regupathi also suggested that arrest in matrimonial disputes, particularly of aged, infirm, sick persons and minors shall not be made by the Station Home Officers of the AWPS.

He said except in cases of dowry death/ suicide and offences of serious nature, Station House Officers of AWPS are to register First Information Reports only on approval of the dowry Prohibition Officer concerned.

If arrest was necessary during investigation, sanction must be obtained from the Superintendent of Police concerned by forwarding the reasons recorded in writing. Arrest, he said, can be made after filing of the final report before the Magistrate concerned if there is non-cooperation and abscondance of accused persons, after receipt of non-bailable warrant.

Mr. Justice Regupathi gave the suggestions to curb the alleged violation of law by the police officers in AWPS in the State, while hearing a petition filed by a person who was beaten up at the AWPS in Chintadripet when called for an enquiry.

The judge said no weapon, including lathis/ physical force, be used while handling cases at the AWPS. If necessary, complainants/victims should be provided with adequate security/accommodation at the Government Home and interest of the children must be taken care of.

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