Rehan Ansari for BeyondHeadlines
Recognizing the fact that Muslims are in majority in the prisons, Dr. Mahmoodur Rahman committee believes that it’s due to lack of economic capabilities to hire quality lawyer to fight their cases and because most of the Muslims imprisoned are due to false cases against them.
“The police discrimination against the Muslims causes them to file cases of magnitude even for inconsequential matters” Committee noted.
It recommended establishment of a committee to go through the processes prior to filing the chargesheet and to give its recommendations to the government to overcome over-incarceration of Muslims. The committee should work in association with Minority Welfare Department.
Committee also recommended to form a Legal Aid Cell with the consultation between Minority Commission and State Legal Services. Team of Lawyers and social workers must be included in the Legal Guidance and Aid Cell to counsel and guide the family members of arrested accused.
The Police Complaints Redressal Authority should be constituted at the state and district levels as recommended by the National Police Commission.
Maharashtra has reportedly seen the largest cases of communal violence in the last 10 years. Although committee is short of noting the fact but recommended Enactment of Law on the line of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill 2011. Report says, “Maharashtra Government can take initiative to enact legislation on the communal violence in accordance with The Communal and Targeted Violence Bill 2011 drafted by the NAC.
On the issue of Role of Media in the communal violence, Committee believes, “Provocative media coverage has often caused communal riots, breaking down the social fabric of religious tolerance.” It recommended, “The media coverage of the sensitive issues should be adequately scrutinized and monitored.
Some specific suggestions to Police Reform are made. Committee says, “The Police Officer being guided by biases rather than professionalism should be weeded out. Muslim Youths should encourage to join police force through systematic campaign and training camps by the Police in Muslim areas.” It also suggests that Muslim youth, if found fit at the time of recruitment should not be rejected on the basis of weak Marathi. They must be given 2 years while on duty to get the required proficiency.”
Besides, Committee recommended Community Policing, special training programmes, and printing of Booklets for Police and Muslims.
