A division bench of Justice Naresh Patil and Justice V L Achilya on Friday last week was hearing a public interest litigation by Kurla resident Makarand Mahadik after his complaints to the local police station went unheeded. His advocate, Sanjiv Punalekar, argued that the Supreme Court on September 22, 2006, directed all the states to constitute at the state as well as district levels a Police Complaints Authority, which was supposed to redress grievance of citizens about the abuse of powers by the police, including that of corruption and negligence. “A government resolution has also been issued constituting the Authority but no appointments have been made at any level,” he said.

Prosecutor Aruna Pai submitted that the issue had been pending for consideration before the Supreme Court. But Punalekar pointed out that only a contempt petition is pending for non-implementation of the apex court’s order.

Pai also said an affidavit had been filed in the SC saying the Police Complaints Authority could be formed at the state level but not at district level.

Punalekar said in view of the statement, at least appointments be made at the state level committee.

Asking the government to inform it about the vacancies, the court posted the next hearing a week later.

RRead more here — http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/High-Court-questions-state-about-vacancies-in-police-panel/articleshow/28808385.cms