Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora has issued a circular on the force's responsibility with regard to illegal encroachment across the city, following complaints of misconduct against its personnel. He noted that while illegal constructions pose a challenge that was primarily under the jurisdiction of the municipality and other bodies, the police also have several responsibilities as the law enforcement wing.
According to the circular issued on Saturday, the Commissioner pointed out under Section 475 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act (duties of police), the role of police with regard to illegal private construction would only be under a standing order of the Delhi Police (No. L80/81/2022 S.2b) to inform the concerned municipal officer in the appropriate manner.
After giving the information, the police can further intervene only after getting instructions from the municipal official under Section 344 (2) of the Act to stop illegal construction, remove workers from the site and seize building material, it said. The police can also intervene by their own after they get information regarding encroachment on government land or if any encroachment is going in front of them, the circular said.
He added that occasional complaints of misconduct in this regard were received from all parts of Delhi, tarnishing the image of the police. He added that the trust of people in the law was essential and there could be no compromise in this regard.
"People's trust in law is a key to our success and there can be no compromise in this regard. The police personnel on beat, in markets, residential colonies and other places should know their responsibility clearly and there is no compromise in it too,” it added.