Opinion FIRst,considerations

This refers to the editorial ‘FIRst response’ (IE,December 30). The subject requires careful study and discussion. The sections in the CPC,from 155 to 160,lay down the rules regarding handling of complaints and initiating investigation by the police. These cover information about cognisable crime. Complaints of non-cognisable offences should be received by the officer-in-charge but shall not be registered. The reported views of the Union government,as also of your editorial,omit reference to such distinction,about which it is necessary to be clear. Many in the legal profession and police feel such distinction should be removed,while others favour its continuance. Most complaints to the police are of non-cognisable offences. They are received/ recorded but the complainant is referred to the court. The complainant is dissatisfied; many consider this a major cause of public unhappiness about the police. On the other hand,if all types of offences are made cognisable the volume of complaints will be unmanageable. The following should be kept in view: first,it’s generally understood that registration of a cognisable complaint is mandatory. It’s widely alleged that bribe s are demanded for registration. There’s a strong view that mandatory registration will reduce such corruption. Second,mandatory registration ensures poorer sections can demand justice when the powerful commit offences against them. Third,all states have well laid down rules and procedures for routine/ automatic supervision of investigation by middle-level seniors. By not registering,personnel at police stations can hide complaints from supervisors. Finally,non-registration is used as a means to keep statistical record of crime in the jurisdiction of the juniors,hidden from superiors,government and public.

— A.V. Krishnan,IPS,Retd Pune

Balanced view

The Ruchika Girhotra case has brought into sharp focus the registration of FIRs at police stations. If a genuine complaint against a serious crime is not registered,the victim is further victimised. Under normal circumstances,any bona fide complaint is supposed to be registered. However,in our country even the right to register an FIR is often denied. However,there is a very serious dilemma — frivolous FIRs can lead to harassment of innocent people. In the interest of justice,there’s a strong case for a balanced view in the matter.

— Vijay Mullaji

Mumbai

BARC shock

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The story ‘Shocked Bengal village asks: How,in our best lab?’(IE,December 31) was saddening. The BARC blast was a shock. It should be investigated by a first-rank agency. BARC is India’s top atomic research centre. Such accidents or mishaps hurt our image internationally. Safety at such centres of high risk should be foolproof and of top international standards.

— S.N. Kabra Mumbai