Pauri: In a historic move, the British-era revenue police system in Pauri district, Uttarakhand, is on the verge of being abolished. This change will mark the end of a practice that has been in place in 1,777 villages for several decades.
The transition to a regular police system is expected to significantly improve law and order in the district and alleviate the challenges posed by the dual police jurisdiction.
What are revenue police?
Uttarakhand has a unique police system where officials from the Revenue Department act as police officers. In some hill areas, regular police jurisdiction hasn’t been extended yet, so revenue officials handle police duties. They perform tasks like arresting offenders and conducting investigations, just like regular police officers. There has been a long-standing demand to abolish this British-era policing system since the Ankita Bhandari murder case, where the investigation was delayed due to the revenue police system in that area.
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All revenue villages in Pauri district be included under the regular police system
In this concern, Pauri senior superintendent of police (SSP) Lokeshwar Singh has proposed to the Director General of Police that all revenue villages in Pauri district be included under the regular police system. Along with this proposal, SSP Singh has recommended the establishment of three new police stations and ten outposts within the district. These proposed changes aim to enhance the efficiency and reach of the police force, ensuring that justice is served promptly and effectively.
Challenges of the revenue police system
The revenue police system, managed by revenue inspectors and sub-inspectors, has been criticized for its inefficiencies and delays in delivering justice. Citizens and officials alike have long demanded a change, citing issues such as corruption and the difficult process of justice between revenue and regular police jurisdictions. The abolishment of this system is seen as a step towards a more efficient and transparent policing structure.
Government and judicial support
In May 2024, the Uttarakhand High Court ordered the state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, to abolish the revenue police system within a year. The order was issued in response to a PIL seeking the abolition of the system. District Magistrate of Pauri, Ashish Chauhan, has instructed the sub-district magistrates to take immediate action on SSP Singh’s proposal. A report on the progress of this transition is expected within three days.
Current policing infrastructure
Pauri district currently has ten police stations and four Kotwali areas, including Kotwali Pauri, Srinagar, Lansdowne, and Kotdwar. The transition to a regular police system will expand the area of influence for law and order, bringing around 1,777 villages under its jurisdiction. This move is anticipated to reduce the need for citizens to shuttle between different police systems and authorities.
