Executive magistrate powers a shot in the arm for policing in Odisha

POLICING has received a shot in the arm after the government bestowed powers of the executive magistrate on SPs, DIGs and IGs in the state under the newly-enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

- PRASANJEET SARKAR @Rourkela

A notification to this effect, signed by the additional chief secretary, was issued on Thursday by the Home department. Invoking section 15 of BNSS, the notification appointed SPs, DIGs and IGs as special executive magistrates in their respective jurisdictions.

Prior to this, the powers of the executive magistrate were only vested with senior-level officers of the Revenue and Disaster Management department. With this, police no more have to depend on revenue officials and get executable orders immediately in matters of urgent enforcement during law and order situations, preventive arrests, or seeking bonds.