Replying during a zero hour mention tabled by party MLA Dr Pramod Sawant, the chief minister clarified that SPCA was set up based on SC order and as such, it follows the directions set forth by the apex court.
Besides, as per the directions, SPCA cannot inquire into complaints in which a departmental, magisterial, judicial enquiry has already started or has been initiated.
As he read out the SC order, CM said that ‘SPCA shall take cognizance of complaints against police officers, that is, of and up to the rank of SP and above.’ He explained that the order does not mention all ranks, though its means the same, because it covers district complaints authority also. Goa is a small State and therefore it is not feasible to have district authorities.
In his zero hour mention, Sawant had quoted a national daily that SPCA cannot take suo motu cognizance of police excesses unless a formal complaint is registered with the authority. He said that this has raised anxiety in the minds of the people, and sought to know the government’s position on the issue.
