What is BNSS Section 37?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 37: Designated Police Officer

The State Government shall implement the following provisions to ensure proper information management and transparency:

• (a) Establish a police control room in every district and at the State level.
• (b) designate a police officer in every district and in every police station, not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police who shall be responsible for maintaining the information about the names and addresses of the persons arrested, nature of the offence with which charged, which shall be prominently displayed in any manner including in digital mode in every police station and at the district headquarters

Brief Detail

Section 37 directs the State Government to set up police control rooms and assign responsible officers for recording and displaying essential information about arrests and offences at the police station and district levels. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in policing.

Question & Answers

• Q1: What is the purpose of establishing police control rooms according to Section 37?
• A1: The purpose is to enhance information management and transparency regarding arrests and offences within the police system.
• Q2: Who is responsible for maintaining the records of arrests in each police station?
• A2: A designated police officer, not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, is responsible for maintaining these records.
• Q3: How should the information about arrests be displayed?
• A3: The information should be prominently displayed in police stations and district headquarters, including through digital modes.

Example

• Example 1: A designated Assistant Sub-Inspector updates the police station's digital notice board with the names of individuals arrested and the offences they are charged with.
• Example 2: At the district control room, officers ensure arrest information from all police stations is accessible and regularly updated for public knowledge.

Summary

Section 37 promotes transparency by mandating the establishment of police control rooms and appointing designated officers to maintain arrest-related records. These records must be prominently displayed, including through digital means, to enhance accountability.