By IANS,
Kochi : There is widespread dissatisfaction with the functioning and inefficiency of the authority that deals with complaints by and against the police in Kerala, according to an international human rights NGO.
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) came to this conclusion about Kerala Police Complaints Authority (KPCA) after conducting two workshops — one here and the other at Palakkad.
“Excessive delay, failure to communicate with complainants, weak procedures and insufficient capacity are some of the glaring problems identified by complainants in the working of KPCA,” said Devika Prasad, senior programme officer, police reforms programme of CHRI.
“Considering the level of public dissatisfaction, the state government should strengthen KPCA through both policy and legal changes,” she added.
KPCA has been established at both the state and district levels but due to constrained resources, they function out of headquarters in Kochi and do not have independent offices in any district.
“Inquiries often take months to complete. Some cases are pending for two years. Undoubtedly very soon the authority will be no different from a court – unable to deliver justice,” a complainant said.
At the time of passing the Kerala Police Act, 2011, the people had strongly objected to the composition of the KPCA. Their recommendations were completely ignored. As a result, the authority has failed to win the confidence of the people.
“Complainants and civil society representatives pointed out that these bodies can be made more efficient and representative through the appointment of full-time independent members drawn from the community and civil society at large based on specified criteria,” said P. Sherfudeen, Kerala state consultant, Police Reforms programme of CHRI.
Said Asaf Ali, director general of prosecutions: “Rules are currently being drafted to accompany the Kerala Police Act, 2011, and practical procedural changes can be brought in through them.”
The CHRI concluded that if the state is serious about changing the status quo and strengthening police accountability, it must act now by consulting people and effect changes in the composition and procedures of the KPCA.