For many crime victims seeking justice, their initial step involves visiting a police station. However, the process often becomes frustrating when police officers refuse to take their complaints seriously or fail to register cases. In such situations, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) offers a ray of hope. This independent body listens to grievances, investigates allegations and recommends action against errant officers to the state government, ensuring accountability and justice for victims.
The PCA addresses a range of serious complaints against police personnel such as improper investigations, refusal to file FIRs, custodial torture, abuse of authority, among other misconduct. The body also hears cases related to custodial deaths, serious harm caused by police, rape or attempted rape by personnel, unjust detention, corruption, extortion, land or house grabbing and abuse of authority. The authority provides a platform for victims who feel ignored by the system, allowing them to voice their grievances and seek redressal.
Citizens can approach the PCA by submitting written complaints in-person, post or online. However, it is advisable for victims to first approach senior police officers with their grievances. If no action is taken within a month, they can escalate the matter to the PCA. This structured approach ensures that victims exhaust other avenues before involving the authority. With six divisional offices in Pune, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amravati, Nashik and Navi Mumbai, the PCA ensures its services are accessible to citizens across Maharashtra.
The PCA’s role is evident in its statistical performance over the years. In 2023, the body received 861 complaints. Of them, 68 cases were registered as per the prescribed rules, 372 were transferred to relevant divisions and 420 grievances were resolved. Till November 2024, 664 complaints were filed, 78 cases were registered, 353 others were forwarded to divisional offices and 203 matters were resolved.
A significant case that underscores the PCA’s importance involved a judge from the Malegaon court who was falsely accused of rape. Owing to the controversy, the victim suffered severe personal and professional consequences, including job loss and family turmoil. Although the Bombay High Court eventually discharged the case, the judge approached the PCA for full justice. Upon investigation, the authority found that the case was fabricated and recommended the government to take action against those responsible, including the police officers.
The PCA was established following a landmark 2006 Supreme Court judgment on a petition filed by ex-cop Prakash Singh in 1996. He had advocated for reforms to ensure greater accountability in policing. In 2014, the state government issued a resolution to form the PCA, and by 2017, it became operational. The authority consists of a chairperson, who is a retired principal district judge, and members, including a retired senior police officer, a deputy commissioner of police, a civil society representative and an officer of the rank of deputy superintendent of police.
Retired Justice Shrihari P Davare was appointed as the chairperson of the Maharashtra PCA in 2020. Under his leadership, the authority has put focus on accessibility and transparency in its functioning. Davare highlighted that complaints can be filed without formalities even on plain paper and that the authority will probe matters involving personnel of all ranks; from constables to DIG-level officers.
Despite its achievements, the PCA faces limitations as it cannot direct the police to file FIRs and acts primarily as a recommending body. However, its work has been instrumental in bridging the trust gap between the law agencies and the public. By holding police officers accountable and addressing grievances, the PCA has contributed to restoring faith in the justice system.
In a complex urban environment like Maharashtra where policing challenges are multifaceted, the PCA serves as a crucial link between citizens and the police force. Its efforts not only ensures that justice is done but also aims to reform policing culture, making it more professional and citizen-centric.
