Uniformed police can’t be part of inspection team: HC
Justice P. V. Sanjay Kumar of Hyderabad High Court on Friday made it clear that uniformed police personnel shall not be part of the inspection teams which are being sent to inspect private colleges in Telangana. The teams can have officers from Education and Vigilance departments and may have limited security.
The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by Bhavita Degree College and four others, who complained that the inspection teams as proposed by the government have police personnel, which is not permissible under law. On Thursday, the judge recorded that police personnel will not be included in the inspection teams till Friday. The State Government tried to make a mention before the Division Bench on this issue on Friday morning. The Bench headed by the Acting Chief Justice felt the issue is to be heard and adjudicated by the single judge at this stage.
Justice Sanjay Kumar heard further arguments and passed interim orders just before lunch recess. The judge said that the Education and Vigilance enforcement departments can be part of inspection teams and the government has the power to order inspection.
The court expressed displeasure and pointed out “do you know what exactly you are doing. Why the DGP, ACB and Vigilance departments are required for inspections? If you don’t have trust in your own Education Department, it is better to wind it up.” The judge wanted the government to show the provision of law which permits police to inspect an educational institution. The judge had a word of caution for the government and said that law cannot be violated in the name of good governance. The inspection teams can have security if they want. The security shall be limited to one Sub Inspector and two constables.
The case was adjourned to June 16 and the respondents were directed to file comprehensive counter affidavits.
