Allegations against cops: Writ seeks independent probe commission

A writ petition has been filed to the High Court seeking its directive to constitute an independent commission to investigate allegations of crimes committed by members of law enforcement agencies, including the police.

Lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, on Sunday, filed the petition to the department concerned of the High Court, on behalf of more than 100 lawyers of the Supreme Court.

In the writ petition, they sought HC directives to constitute a committee comprising retired judges, former inspector general of police, retired secretaries, law teachers and members of civil society.

The committee should be able to submit their views directly to the court in the form of a report, after discussing the issue.

Law Secretary, Home Secretary and inspector general of police were made respondent to the writ petition.

The bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Kamrul Hossain Mollah may hear the writ petition, said lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir.

Proper and neutral investigation of a case is the key step for justice.  However, fair investigation is a fundamental right of the individual as per Articles 35 (3) and 27 of the Constitution, the lawyer told reporters.

As law enforcement currently conducts inquiries themselves into allegations raised against them, questions have obviously arisen about the fairness and neutrality of such probes, he added.  

However, in 2007 the caretaker government drafted a law called the Police Ordinance. Article 71 of the proposed ordinance provides for the formation of a Police Complaints Commission.  But that draft ordinance did not become law. 

In these circumstances, they have sought the HC directives to form the commission titled Police Complaint Investigation Commission, the petitioner also said.