Senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik has written a letter to the Chief Minister demanding that the Odisha Police Bill be sent to a select committee of the State Assembly for a thorough examination. Patnaik has also written a letter to leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Narasingha Mishra and leader of the BJP legislature Party Basant Panda requesting them to speak in a united voice and ensure necessary floor coordination to prevail upon the State Government to agree to the suggestion in view of the overwhelming public interest.
“The new bill replaces the Police Act of 1861. So, why the hurry when we have waited for 150 yearsIJ We should discuss in detail about it to improve police services in the State,” said Patnaik, adding, “In my understanding nothing will change and police will remain the same if the present Bill is passed unless there are major amendments and the law is substantially improved upon.”
The need for a new Police Act arose because the National Police Commission (NPC) (1979-81) had found that police all over the country was subservient to people in power, they are partisan and politicized. Therefore, The National Police Commission (NPC) had recommended creating a modern police force that is insulated from political interference. “I am afraid the bill, as introduced in the State Assembly, is completely misconceived and will not serve the objective of insulating the police,” he added.
He requested the Chief Minister to rise above immediate considerations and agree to the suggestion of sending the Odisha Police Bill to a Select Committee of the State Assembly for a thorough examination.