NCJ Number
61679
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 7, SUPPLEMENT Dated: (JULY 1979) Pages: 179-204
Date Published
1979
Length
26 pages
Annotation
THE ROLE OF THE POLICE IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF SOCIAL LEGISLATION IN INDIA IS DISCUSSED IN SIX PAPERS PRESENTED AT A 1979 SYMPOSIUM SPONSORED BY THE INDIAN SOCIETY OF CRIMINOLOGY.
Abstract
SOCIAL LEGISLATION IN INDIA IS INTENDED TO ENFORCE DESIRED SOCIAL VALUES AND PROTECT CITIZENS' HEALTH AND CIVIL RIGHTS. EXAMPLES OF SUCH LEGISLATION ARE (1) THE PREVENTION OF BEGGARY ACT, WHICH OUTLAWS PUBLIC BEGGING; (2) THE CHILDREN'S ACT, DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE ABUSE OF CHILDREN; (3) THE SUPPRESSION OF IMMORAL TRAFFIC ACT, WHICH PROHIBITS PROSTITUTION; (4) THE PROHIBITION ACT, WHICH PROHIBITS THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; (5) THE UNTOUCHABILITY ACT, WHICH PROHIBITS THE PRACTICE OF A CASTE SYSTEM THAT DEEMS CERTAIN CLASSES OF PEOPLE INFERIOR; AND (6) THE YOUNG PERSONS ACT, WHICH PROSCRIBES CERTAIN ACTIVITIES CONSIDERED HARMFUL TO YOUTH. THE CONSENSUS OF SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS AND PARTICIPANTS WAS THAT A SEPARATE POLICE WING IS NECESSARY FOR ENFORCING SOCIAL LAWS. THIS WING WOULD CONSIST OF SPECIALLY TRAINED OFFICERS WHO WOULD BE PREPARED TO PERFORM SENSITIVE AND DIFFICULT ENFORCEMENT TASKS WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHT DESIGNED TO LESSEN PUBLIC CRITICISM OF THE POLICE FOR ENFORCING FREQUENTLY UNPOPULAR LEGISLATION. PRIORITIES IN THE USE OF POLICE DISCRETION IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF SOCIAL LEGISLATION SHOULD ALSO BE DETERMINED. ROUTINE, SIMPLE FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS SERVICE OF SUMMONS, ROUNDING UP OF STRAY CATTLE, AND PREVENTION OF BEGGING, SHOULD NOT BE PERFORMED BY POLICE. THE INVOLVEMENT OF FEMALE POLICE OFFICERS IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF SOCIAL LEGISLATION SHOULD ALSO BE INCREASED. (RCB)