The Home Ministry is set to introduce a Model Police Act for Union territories in the forthcoming budget session of Parliament. Home Minister Shivraj Patil said the objective of the new Act is to provide better and efficient services. He added that the government is strengthening police machinery at all levels. The members, comprising eleven MPs, voiced support in favour of a fixed tenure of two years for the director general of police. They were also of the view that panchayats ought to be given a role in rural policing. Important recommendations of the Soli Sorabjee Committee, appointed to prepare the model law, were discussed at a meeting on Monday. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and states to frame a Model Police Act by March 31. On January 11, the apex court dismissed the plea of the states to review its directions on implementation of police reforms. It allowed time till March 31 to the Centre and states to comply with its judgement, which included setting up of national and state security commissions, police complaints authority and separation of investigation from law and order. However, on the selection and tenure of the director, inspector generals and other senior police officials, the apex court has given only four weeks time with effect from January 11.
