The question (15 marks)
Examine the structure, powers and duties of the police under the Police Act 1861, and discuss the reforms directed by the Supreme Court. (15 marks)
MU Module III, the police system; chapter on the police, and the brief on Prakash Singh v Union of India.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 3 · The Police, Penology and the Theories of Punishment of Criminology and Penology.
Authorities you will need
- Police Act 1861, sections 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 23 and 29
- Prakash Singh v Union of India
- The National Police Commission, appointed 15 November 1977, reporting February 1979 to May 1981
- The Law Commission's 154th Report; the Sorabjee Committee
- Vineet Narain, on the tenure of a Superintendent of Police
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.