ROLE OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN POLICE ADMINISTRATION

In terms of structure, there isn't an independent police department at the central level in India. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs assumes multiple policing functions, though it's not specifically designated as a ministry for police affairs. The Union Parliament, vested with exclusive authority over central and concurrent subjects, doesn't directly legislate on police affairs. Nevertheless, the Constitution allows considerable legislative discretion and executive accountability concerning police administration, both at the Union and state levels, to the sovereign Parliament of the country.

The Central government's indirect but predominant role in the country's police administration is evident through the Union Parliament and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Article 246 of Schedule VII of the Constitution lists police as a subject in the State List. Simultaneously, it includes a broad range of related subjects in the Union List. As a result, administering subjects like all India services, CBI, preventive detention, arms, ammunition, and other areas fall under the sole responsibility of the Central government.

Despite police administration being within the state jurisdiction constitutionally, administering these subjects directly impacts policing. The complexities increase when examining subjects in the Concurrent List, including criminal law, maintenance of public order, evidence, trade in essential goods, and price control. These administrative activities often fall under police responsibilities. If the Union Parliament legislates on any of these subjects, state governments must comply.

Furthermore, the power to amend fundamental police statutes like the Indian Police Act 1861, Indian Penal Code 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure 1861, and others lies with the Parliament. A Directive Principle of State Policy urges Union and state governments to develop a Uniform Civil Code in the country. The Central government has the authority to ensure compliance with laws passed by the Union Parliament, and there are several Central Acts controlling and guiding police functions nationwide.

The Ministry of Home Affairs directly manages police forces in union territories, which are under the President's administration. These territories are governed by different Acts of the Union Parliament. The ministry also handles personnel aspects of police administration, especially those belonging to the Indian Police Service (IPS). It establishes general conditions of service, rights and duties, pay and pensions, and other conditions affecting personnel.

Additionally, the Centre determines police efficiency standards and aids in indigenous arms and equipment production, saving foreign exchange. Since 1957, it has financially supported modernization and construction of living quarters for non-gazetted police officials in the states. The ministry maintains civil defence services for training and ad hoc purposes and ensures an adequate supply of arms and ammunition to state home guards. It also collaborates with associations for civil defence training.

These Central Police Organisations (CPOs) have increased in number and diversified their police work under the context of democracy and federalism. Some function purely as staff agencies, others as reserve units with line operations, and some have mixed functions and overlapping jurisdictions in concurrent fields

All Central Units of Police Organisation