Monday, July 8, 2013

Delhi Cops rapped for hasty arrest in Dowry harassment ipc 498a case

Delhi Cops rapped for hasty arrest in Dowry harassment ipc 498a case

TNN | Jul 8, 2013, 04.22 AM IST

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police's act of immediately arresting a man after the registration of an FIR in a domestic violence case has come under a trial court's scanner as cops had failed to follow the directions laid down by the Delhi high court.

The court was referring to the Delhi Police commissioner's standing order, which said that no case under Section 498A (dowry) or 406 (criminal breach of trust) of IPC should be registered without his prior approval. The standing order was issued after the high court said the main accused should be arrested only after a thorough investigation.

While granting interim bail to the man arrested immediately after the FIR was registered against him under Section 498A, the metropolitan magistrate said, "It is clear from the assertions of the investigating officer that the judgment of HC and the subsequent standing order of commissioner of police, Delhi, have not been duly complied by the concerned official before lodging of the FIR. So, the bail application of the accused is allowed and interim bail is confirmed."

The man's counsel, Prashant Mendiratta, submitted that his client was arrested by the police even when no permission had been taken from the DCP. He also said that the police had acted illegally and the FIR was registered without following the high court's order.

When the court issued a notice to the DCP seeking a reply on the matter, it was informed that "an explanation has been sought from the investigating officer in the case and necessary disciplinary action will be taken against them after receiving their replies".

The court granted interim bail to the man after going through the submissions of the police.

The judgment of HC and the subsequent standing order of the Delhi Police commissioner have not been complied with by the police officer before lodging the FIR, said the trial court.