Maharashtra: Police Complaints Authority Offers Justice For Victims Of Police Misconduct

For many crime victims seeking justice, their initial step involves visiting a police station. However, the process often becomes frustrating when police officers refuse to take their complaints seriously or fail to register cases. In such situations, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) offers a ray of hope. This independent body listens to grievances, investigates allegations and recommends action against errant officers to the state government, ensuring accountability and justice for victims.

The PCA addresses a range of serious complaints against police personnel such as improper investigations, refusal to file FIRs, custodial torture, abuse of authority, among other misconduct. The body also hears cases related to custodial deaths, serious harm caused by police, rape or attempted rape by personnel, unjust detention, corruption, extortion, land or house grabbing and abuse of authority. The authority provides a platform for victims who feel ignored by the system, allowing them to voice their grievances and seek redressal.

Citizens can approach the PCA by submitting written complaints in-person, post or online. However, it is advisable for victims to first approach senior police officers with their grievances. If no action is taken within a month, they can escalate the matter to the PCA. This structured approach ensures that victims exhaust other avenues before involving the authority. With six divisional offices in Pune, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amravati, Nashik and Navi Mumbai, the PCA ensures its services are accessible to citizens across Maharashtra.

The PCA’s role is evident in its statistical performance over the years. In 2023, the body received 861 complaints. Of them, 68 cases were registered as per the prescribed rules, 372 were transferred to relevant divisions and 420 grievances were resolved. Till November 2024, 664 complaints were filed, 78 cases were registered, 353 others were forwarded to divisional offices and 203 matters were resolved.

A significant case that underscores the PCA’s importance involved a judge from the Malegaon court who was falsely accused of rape. Owing to the controversy, the victim suffered severe personal and professional consequences, including job loss and family turmoil. Although the Bombay High Court eventually discharged the case, the judge approached the PCA for full justice. Upon investigation, the authority found that the case was fabricated and recommended the government to take action against those responsible, including the police officers.

The PCA was established following a landmark 2006 Supreme Court judgment on a petition filed by ex-cop Prakash Singh in 1996. He had advocated for reforms to ensure greater accountability in policing.

In 2014, the state government issued a Government Resolution (GR) to establish the State Police Complaints Authority (PCA), which became operational by 2017. The apex body of the PCA is headed by a Chairperson, who is a retired High Court judge. Currently, retired High Court Justice Shrihari P. Davare serves as the Chairperson. The authority also comprises members such as civil society representative Umakant Mitkar, retired IAS officer Vijay Sadabarsingh, and sitting DIG Sukhvibdar Singh.

Justice Shrihari P. Davare was appointed as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra PCA in 2020. Under his leadership, the authority has prioritized improving accessibility and transparency in its operations. Justice Davare emphasized that complaints can be filed without formalities, even on plain paper, and that the authority will investigate matters involving personnel of all ranks, from constables to DIG-level officers.

The State Police Complaints Authority is mandated to submit its inquiry reports to the state government within a timeframe prescribed by law. The PCA’s work has been instrumental in bridging the trust gap between law enforcement agencies and the public. By holding police officers accountable and addressing grievances, the PCA has played a significant role in restoring faith in the justice system.

In a complex and dynamic urban environment like Maharashtra, where policing challenges are multifaceted, the PCA serves as a vital link between citizens and the police force. Its efforts not only ensure that justice is delivered but also aim to reform policing culture, making it more professional, transparent, and citizen-centric.