The Chandigarh administration on Friday issued a notification directing the police force in the Union Territory to wrap up investigation in all complaints received by it within 90 days, instead of 30 days as mandated ealier. The fresh move by the administration comes on the heels of former commissioner of the Right to Service Commission in Chandigarh, KK Jindal, having suggested that the timeframe given to the police for wrapping up cases be increased, as several police personnel had pointed out that 30 days was not sufficient for completing investigations in complicated and sensitive matters. The notification, which officials in the know said was aimed at reducing the huge pendency of cases with Chandigarh Police, was issued by the administration under the Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011. At least 15.39 per cent (29,463) complaints, out of 1,91,401, were found pending with the Chandigarh Police between 2022-23, data showed. The Right to Service Commission recently concluded that the police department has the highest pendency of complaints among all other departments. The commission’s charge was recently handed over to Dharam Pal, Adviser to the Union territory. The amended notification was issued by the Department of Personnel of the Union territory administration and was circulated to the Chandigarh Police on Friday. The Station House Officer (SHO) of each police station has been designated as the officer answerable for any delay in disposal of a complaint. The area DSP and SSP (UT) will be the first and second appellant authorities, respectively, the notice added. A police officer said, "Some complaints need lengthy investigation which often tends to extend beyond 90 days. In such matters, we submit interim reports from time to time."
