Not lodging FIR: TS HC orders disciplinary action against SHO SR Nagar, ACP Panjagutta

Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed Hyderabad Police Commissioner to initiate disciplinary proceedings against K. Saidulu, Station House Officer, SR Nagar Police Station, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Panjagutta for negligence of duties.

Justice Bollam Vijayasen Reddy also asked the CP to register an FIR under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Petitioner K. Madhavi, a resident of SR Nagar, Hyderabad, had approached the High Court after police did not lodge an FIR against S.Shivakanya who abused her and her husband for their caste.

Counsel for the petitioner T. Swetcha informed the Court that FIR is registered after the filing of the case in the high court with more than a month delay.

As per the provisions of the Act, any public servant who wilfully neglects his duties required to be performed by him under the rules, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than six months and may extend to one year, she said.

The present section and other provisions were inserted in the act as per the 2016 amendment to deliver greater justice to the underprivileged as well as be an enhanced deterrent to the offenders.

The negligent action of the police is against these objectives, she argued.

After hearing the arguments, the court directed the commissioner of Police, Hyderabad to initiate disciplinary proceedings against SHO, SR Nagar PS, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Panjagutta, and conclude the inquiry within two months and file the report.