08-07-2025
Call govt first: New law in HP cuffs cops, not officials
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt has enforced a new legal provision requiring police to obtain prior sanction before arresting any public servant for actions taken in the line of duty, following the President's assent to the Himachal Pradesh Police (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The amendment to Section 65 of the Act now states: "No police officer shall arrest a public servant for any act done while discharging their duties except with the prior sanction of the govt."
The state's Vidhan Sabha passed the amendment on Dec 20, 2024, despite strong opposition from the BJP, which argued it could shield corrupt officials from accountability. However, the state govt defended the move, claiming it would protect public servants from undue pressure and allow them to perform their duties without fear of arbitrary legal action.
After passage in the assembly, the bill was sent to the President, who granted assent on May 23.
The state's law department notified the amended Act officially on Monday.
In addition to changes in arrest procedures, the amendment also alters recruitment protocols. Section 4 of the parent Act has been updated to state that the recruitment of non-gazetted Grade-II police officers to the state cadre will be conducted through the Police Recruitment Board, following rules framed by the state govt. The amendment marks a significant shift in the legal protections afforded to public servants in Himachal.
TNN
