Assam Police Act Amended to Constitute District Accountability Authorities

The Assam Police (Amendment) Act, 2025, an amendment Act, was enacted with the objective of further amending the Assam Police Act, 2007, referred to as the principal Act. This legislative instrument came into force immediately upon its enactment. The amendments introduced significant changes to the existing framework, particularly concerning accountability mechanisms within the police force.

One key alteration was made to section 71 of the principal Act, where sub-section (b) was substituted. The revised provision now specifies that a retired police officer superannuated in the rank of Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Police, or Inspector General of Police is eligible for certain roles, refining the criteria for such appointments. More substantially, section 84 of the principal Act was entirely substituted, leading to the establishment of District Police Accountability Authorities. These authorities are to be established by the State Government in each Police District or a group of districts within a police range. Each Authority is mandated to comprise a Chairperson and four Members. The Inspector General of Police or Deputy Inspector General of Police of the concerned Police Range serves as the ex-officio (by virtue of office) Chairperson, or the Commissioner of Police in a Police Commissionerate. An Additional District Commissioner (Magistracy) of the concerned district acts as an ex-officio Member. The Authority also includes a woman advocate with a minimum of 15 years of working experience, nominated by the concerned District Commissioner for a period not exceeding three years, and a social worker or prominent citizen nominated by the Government for a similar term. The Staff Officer to the Inspector General or Deputy Inspector General of Police of the concerned Police Range, or the Assistant Commissioner of Police (HQ) in a Police Commissionerate, functions as the Secretary, responsible for maintaining office records. The legislation provided: “The State Government may establish in each Police Districts or a group of districts in a police range, a District Police Accountability Authority to enquire into cases of complaints of misconduct and to discharge functions as specified in section 85 of the Act.”

The legislative intent behind these amendments was to strengthen the accountability framework within the Assam Police, addressing the need for a structured and localized mechanism to handle complaints of misconduct. Prior to this enactment, the principal Act, the Assam Police Act, 2007, contained provisions for accountability, but the comprehensive substitution of section 84 indicates a move towards a more decentralized and specific authority at the district level for addressing such grievances. The amendments aim to fill any statutory gaps in the existing framework for police oversight by establishing dedicated bodies. The establishment of the District Police Accountability Authorities introduces a formal avenue for citizens to lodge complaints against police misconduct, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within the police system. The Authority is specifically tasked with inquiring into such complaints. The conditions of ineligibility, terms of office, terms and conditions of service, and conditions of removal from office for the Chairperson and Members of these District Authorities are aligned with those provided for the Police Accountability Commission under Chapter VIII of the principal Act, ensuring consistency in governance and operational standards across accountability bodies. These amendments specifically substituted sub-section (b) of section 71 and entirely replaced section 84 of the principal Act, indicating a deliberate restructuring of these particular provisions to achieve the stated objectives of enhanced police accountability and public trust.

Keywords: Assam Police Act, Police Accountability, District Police Accountability Authority, Police Misconduct, Legislative Amendment, Assam Government, Police Reforms, Public Grievance Geo Tags: India, Assam District: Not Applicable