Police Complaints Authority stillborn

BANGALORE: One-and-a-half years after the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) was set up, it continues to be a non-starter. And eight months after the appointment of retired judge Justice R J Babu as the chairman of the PCA, he still doesn’t have an office to go to.This sums up the state government’s callous attitude in providing a platform for its people to complain against police excesses.The PCA was set up in December 2010 following directions from the Supreme Court as part of the police reforms suggested by it. The idea was to provide speedy redressal of grievances against the police excesses.Principal Secretary to the Home Department S M Jamadar, however, claimed the necessary infrastructure, including office space, will be provided to the PCA in 10-15 days while refusing to go into the reasons for the delay.When specifically asked about the delay being caused in the appointment of other members to the authority, Jamadar sought to blame the procedure involved in the selection of the members.“Since we need to consult the Human Rights Commission before finalising any names, the process is getting delayed,” he added.Jamadar, however, claimed that the process of appointment of members has already begun and it would be over soon.