24X7 Helpline, Decide Representation In 3 Days: Punjab & Haryana HC Issues Guidelines To State, Police For Runaway Couples Seeking Protection
Live LawThe Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a slew of guidelines to be followed by the State and Police when it is approached by an individual or a run away couple, alleging threat to their life and liberty. The guidelines framed by the Court are as follows: The State Government shall appoint one Nodal Officer at each District Head Quarter who shall be made accountable for ensuring strict compliance to these guidelines as per the time frame stipulated hereinbelow. The State Government shall appoint one Police Officer at every police station not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector to inquire and look into the representation in accordance with law. The aggrieved person against the order passed by the Police Officer at the first instance may prefer an appeal before such Appellate Authority within a period of three days, if so desired, failing which the order passed by the Officer at the first instance under Clause shall attain finality. In addition to above, there shall be a dedicated helpdesk at every district police office manned 24X7 to address representations concerning such threat to life and liberty which shall maintain an electronic record qua the movement of each representation specifying time and date of receipt, name of Officer assigned, the stage of hearing and the status of the inquiry.