Delhi police has decided to set up separate Directorate of Prosecution for its force to assist officers in investigation of crucial criminal cases in National Capital.
A document was sent to all DCP’s last month from Office of Commissioner of Police. From 2.5 lakh cases registered in Delhi every year, around 12000 of these cases include heinous crime and serious cheating cases. It is expected that during investigation around 10% of these cases require special attention in terms of institutionalised legal advise on case to case basis.
It was written in the letter to DCP’s that as per directions of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Delhi Police has decided to set up separate Directorate of prosecution for Delhi Police which will function under direct supervision of Special Commissioner of Police, Legal Cell under directions of Commissioner of police, Delhi.
Commissioner of Police, Delhi reports to Ministry of Home Affairs through LG and Delhi Government has no direct control of Delhi Police.
Directorate will assist Investigation Officers during investigation of important criminal cases in Delhi. Draft proposal is presently under process with Establishment Branch, PHQ.
The letter also states that one more proposal regarding empanelment of 20 Advocates for legal assistance to IO’s was prepared and got approved by Commissioner of Police, Delhi for which selection process is to be initiated. Draft advertisement for interested candidates has also been approved by CP Delhi. But, the process is in abeyance due to outbreak of Covid-19. The process could only be completed after lockdown as it also requires interviews.
The DCP’s were told that due to prevailing extraordinary situation, Delhi police is investigating cases including riot cases of North-East, violent JNU outbreak, cases in Jamia University and Tablighi Jamat incidents. Investigation Officers in all these cases require legal advice to proceed with investigation efficiently.
DCP’s were also suggested that IO’s of Delhi Police be permitted to take legal advice from 18 Advocates with prior approval of concerned head of the Range or unit (Special CP or Joint CP on a case to case basis.
A list of 18 Advocates was sent to DCP’s with their name and phone numbers who were told that this would be interim arrangement till a panel of 20 advocates is selected and finalised for legal assistance.
-India Legal Bureau