File affidavit on the status of the website: Bombay HC to Maharashtra Government
Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Shianjany Pradhan
On Wednesday, the Bombay HC directed the government of Maharashtra to give a clarification on the setting up of a website for the citizens to lodge complaints to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA)
The bench comprised of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre, was hearing the PIL.
It was informed that the Maharashtra police act was amended in 2014, in furtherance of the 2006 judgment of the Supreme Court for the setting up of the PCAs at the state, divisional, and district levels.
The plea was filed by Advocate Firdaus Irani seeking direction to the state for bringing the Maharashtra police (amendment) act in conformity with the judged of the SC in Prakash Singh and Ors. V Union of India in 2006.
The case was a landmark as the court issued guidelines for police reforms as well as also directed the states to set up the PCAs.
It was also sought in the petition that a pre-legislative consultation is conducted with the organizations as an important step to formulate the necessary amendment.
It also prayed that awareness must be created regarding the existence of such PCAs and a website must be created to keep the public informed about their functioning and procedure.
It was replied to the state that the necessary amendments have already been incorporated in accordance with the directions of the SC, and the PCAs have been constituted.
Further time was sought to give updates to the court regarding the website’s development status.
The time was granted with the direction to inform regarding the setting up of all the PCAs from the beginning till date.
