Himachal HC allows govt more time to comply with suggestions

The HP High Court has granted three weeks more to the state government for complying with the suggestions given by the court to improve the working conditions of the police personnel in the state.

During the course of hearing, the counsel for the state submitted that entire exercise of complying with the suggestions given, in all eventualities, would be completed by the committee so constituted within a period of three weeks.

Considering the request of the state, a division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja directed it to file status report in this regard by July 4.

In its earlier order the court had directed the state to consider that the police personnel do not work for more than eight hours at a stretch.

The court had also advised the state government to undertake housing scheme for police personnel for improving living conditions. It further ordered to make suitable amendments in the rules by providing at least three promotions to police personnel throughout his career to remove stagnation and for improving efficiency.

Apart from above, the court had also directed the state to consider that the traffic police are given sufficient breaks while discharging their duties in summers by rotating them and they should be provided masks to protect them from injurious gases and fumes while discharging traffic duties.

The court passed this order dealing with a criminal case. It also suggested the creation of Highway Patrols and Highway Beats.

It further added that many police quarters and office buildings require urgent maintenance. Dedicated budgets must be allocated for renovations to ensure dignified living conditions for personnel, enhancing their wellbeing and efficiency. The court listed the matter for compliance on July 4.