IPS officers willing to go to NGOs, not government: Delhi High Court

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today expressed unhappiness over police officers' unwillingness to go to the Department of Women and Child Development on deputation to deal with safety and security at juvenile homes, saying if IPS officers are willing to go to NGOs, why not the government.

"IPS officers are comfortable to go to NGOs. Why can't they come to the government?" a bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and R K Gauba asked Delhi government and the city police.

The bench also questioned the need for deputation and said such postings can be made a part of their (IPS) cadre.

It also suggested that police personnel can be posted at the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD) in a diverted capacity.

The court asked Delhi government to move a fresh proposal for creation of a cell of police personnel within DWCD and directed that its orders be complied with at the earliest.

It also sought the presence of a senior police officer from the Police Headquarters to assist the court on next date of hearing on April 10.

The order was passed after the city government and Delhi Police informed the court that a meeting was held on February 22 on the aspect of deputation, and in which police officers had expressed their unwillingness to go to DWCD on deputation on the current terms and had asked for pay which was a grade above their current rank.

During the hearing, amicus curiae Anoop Bhambani suggested that officers from the juvenile police unit can be considered for deputation to DWCD.

Delhi government, through advocate Zubeda Begum, meanwhile, informed the court that a PWD nodal officer has been appointed and he will file a status report with respect to the repair and renovation work needed at juvenile homes by the next date.