Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Asra Garg on Tuesday submitted a status report to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, stating that 64,027 final reports had been filed before judicial courts in southern districts in two months and they were duly accepted. was taken. The High Court’s direction was passed in June.
He said that out of 64,027 final reports filed by the police, only 24,920 were taken on file, and case number record (CNR) acknowledgment was given to only 62.28% of the cases. For the remaining cases, only manual acknowledgment was given.
Taking cognizance of the status report filed in the contempt case, Justice GR Swaminathan directed that whenever the final report is filed, the court concerned should accept the same by giving the CNR number.
The judge said that if the CNR number was not issued due to lack of infrastructure, the issue of manual acknowledgment would be brought to the notice of the concerned Principal District Judge.
Further, he said that the manual acknowledgments issued so far should be digitized expeditiously. If manual acknowledgment was continued, the SPs should apprise the concerned Principal District and Sessions Judges of the situation.
The courts should follow Rule 25 of the Criminal Rules of Practice, 2019. If the final report was free of defects, it should be taken on file within three days. If there are lapses, the police should be informed. The judge said that if the defects were not rectified by him, then action should be taken as per Rule 25(6).
The judge said that if the direction is not followed, it should be brought to the notice of the Principal District Judge/Chief Judicial Magistrate by the SP concerned.
“I extend my sincere appreciation for the humble efforts made by Mr. Asra Garg, IPS I for coordinating with the Police Department to universalize the CNR system, to Ms. R. Arulmozhiselvi, Member, E-Committee, of India. Supreme Court/District Judge should also be appreciated.
The court directed the IGP to file further status report and adjourned the matter till November 1.