HC Quashes Odisha Govt Proposal Allowing Graduate Constables, CI Havildars To Probe Cases

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court (HC) has quashed the state government’s proposal to allow the investigation of certain cases by qualified Graduate Constables and Criminal Intelligence (CI) Havildars of police.

A bench headed by Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra held that the court has no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the Police circular Order No. 393 of May 21, 2022 conferring power of investigation on constables and CI Havildars is unsustainable in law. Therefore, the same is hereby quashed, the bench ordered.

The Odisha government had earlier approved the proposal to allow Graduate Constables and CI Havildars to investigate certain petty offenses under certain Minor Acts having punishments of up to 3 years. They were given a charge to visit crime spots, investigate facts and circumstances of the case and take measures for the recovery and arrest of the offenders, sources said.

The Graduate Constables and CI Havildars were supposed to be trained in all aspects of the investigation, starting from registration of an FIR, and writing of case diaries to submission of final form.

After 4 to 5 weeks of institutional training at any recognised Police Training institution, they were supposed to be given field training in the police station for a period of at least 45 days. After completion of the training, they would undergo an examination to qualify to get the power of investigation.