Grade-8, SST, Role of Police and Court

 

EXERCISES

 

1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

(a) Every person has the right to a fair trial in a court of law.

(b) The police force in a state is headed by the Commissioner of Police (or Director General of Police).

(c) An FIR is a written complaint that reaches the police first in point of time.

(d) The complainant should be given a copy of the FIR.

(e) The public prosecutor represents public interest.

 

2. Choose the correct answer.

(a) The head of the police force in each district is called the

(i) Superintendent of Police.

(ii) Collector.

(iii) Commissioner of Police.

(iv) Circle Inspector.

Answer- (i) Superintendent of Police.

 

(b) An offence is a

(i) violation of law.

(ii) report filed at a police station.

(iii) legal action.

(iv) notice from a court to a person.

Answer- (i) violation of law.

 

(c) FIR stands for

(i) Fast Information Report.

(ii) First Information Review.

(iii) First Information Report.

(iv) First Identity Report.

Answer- (iii) First Information Report.

 

(d) Which court has made it mandatory for the police to record FIRs?

(i) High Court

(ii) Sessions Court

(iii) District Court

(iv) Supreme Court

Answer- (iv) Supreme Court

 

(e) If the police refuse to file an FIR, the complainant can approach the

(i) Commissioner of Police.

(ii) High Court Magistrate.

(iii) Nyaya Panchayat.

(iv) state government.

Answer- (ii) High Court Magistrate.

 

3. Match the rows.

 

(a) role of the police (b) role of the courts (c) Commissioner of Police (d) FIR (e) Public prosecutor

(i) name and address of the complainant (ii) Director General of Police (iii) lawyer appointed by the state (iv) detecting crime and investigating complaints (v) punishing the guilty

Answer-

(a) role of the police - (iv) detecting crime and investigating complaints (b) role of the courts - (v) punishing the guilty

(c) Commissioner of Police - (ii) Director General of Police

(d) FIR - (i) name and address of the complainant

(e) Public prosecutor - (iii) lawyer appointed by the state

 

4. Write true or false. Correct the false sentences in your notebook.

 

(a) The police can decide if a person is guilty of committing a crime.

False. The police cannot decide if a person is guilty of committing a crime. Only the court can decide guilt or innocence.

 

(b) The police can decide not to register an FIR if they receive a complaint.

False. The police cannot decide not to register an FIR if they receive a complaint. They must register the FIR and then investigate the case.

 

(c) Only written complaints can be lodged as FIRs.

True.

 

(d) One can approach the Governor if the police refuse to file an FIR.

False. One can approach the High Court Magistrate if the police refuse to file an FIR.

 

(e) The public prosecutor argues on behalf of the accused in court.

False. The public prosecutor argues on behalf of the state, not the accused.

 

 

5. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

 

(a) What is the function of the police?

Answer-The function of the police is to maintain law and order, detect crime, and investigate complaints regarding violations of the law.

 

(b) Name some of the important ranks in the police force.

Answer-Some important ranks in the police force are Commissioner of Police (or Director General of Police), Superintendent of Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Circle Inspector, and Sub-Inspector.

 

(c) Where should an FIR be filed?

Answer-An FIR should be filed at the police station under whose jurisdiction the crime has been committed.

 

(d) Mention a few details that an FIR normally contains.

Answer-An FIR normally contains the name and address of the complainant, date, time, and location of the incident, details of the crime, names and descriptions of people involved, and details of witnesses.

 

(e) Name one thing you can do if the police refuse to file your FIR.

Answer-If the police refuse to file your FIR, you can approach the Superintendent of Police or a Magistrate at the High Court to file a complaint petition.

 

6. Answer the following questions in four or five sentences.

 

(a) Discuss the relationship between the courts and the police.

Answer- Relationship between the courts and the police-

1.    The police are responsible for detecting and investigating crimes.

2.    Once the investigation is complete, the police present the accused person before the court.

3.    The court decides the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence presented by the police and the public prosecutor.

4.    The court ensures fair trials and upholds the law.

 

(b) What happens if a person tries to file an FIR in a police station which does not have jurisdiction over the area of the crime?

Answer- If a person tries to file an FIR in a police station which does not have jurisdiction over the area of the crime-

1.    The police officer at that station must still register the FIR.

2.    The officer must then transfer the case to the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where the crime occurred.

 

(c) Explain the procedure of filing an FIR.

Answer- Procedure of filing an FIR-

1.    A person can file an FIR either orally or in writing.

2.    The police officer must record the information provided by the complainant.

3.    The complainant must sign the FIR or, if illiterate, put their thumb impression.

4.    The complainant should be given a copy of the FIR.

 

(d) What role can the Magistrate play if the police refuse to register an FIR?

Answer- Role of Magistrate if the police refuse to register an FIR-

1.    The aggrieved person can approach the Magistrate at the High Court and file a complaint petition.

2.    The Magistrate can then direct the police to register the case.

3.    If the police fail to register the FIR within 24 hours of the Magistrate's order, disciplinary action can be taken against the concerned officer.

 

(e) Discuss the role of the public prosecutor.

Answer- Role of the Public Prosecuter-

1.    The public prosecutor is a lawyer appointed by the state to represent the state's interest in court.

2.    They assist the court in reaching a decision by presenting all relevant facts and evidence.

3.    They argue against the accused person in court.

4.    They ensure that justice is served and that the accused person is punished if found guilty.

 

Evaluating Skills

 

Read the lines and answer the questions that follow.

 

A public prosecutor is a lawyer appointed by the state. He/She appears before the court and stands against the accused person in court. Public prosecutors are also referred to as Ministers of Justice and their job is to assist the state in administering justice.

 

(i) Who appoints the public prosecutor?

Answer- The state appoints the public prosecutor.

(ii) What is their role?

Answer- The role of a public prosecutor is to assist the state in administering justice. They appear before the court and stand against the accused person, presenting evidence and arguments to prove the guilt of the accused.

 

Thinking Hat

 

HOTS-Analytical Skills

 

What happens if there is evidence that the accused may not be guilty? What should the public prosecutor do in such a case?

 

Answer-  If evidence suggests the accused may be innocent, the public prosecutor, as an officer of the court, must act with integrity. They should:

1.    Disclose Exculpatory Evidence: Reveal all evidence, including that favoring the accused.

2.    Re-evaluate the Case: Reconsider the case in light of new evidence.

3.    Inform the Court: If the evidence is significant, inform the court.

4.    Consider Dropping Charges: If the evidence strongly suggests innocence, consider dropping the charges.

5.    Present the Truth: Uphold justice by presenting the truth, even if it goes against the initial prosecution.

 

 

Values and Life Skills

 

It is the job of the police to maintain law and order in a state or city.

 

Do you think that, as citizens, we have any responsibility towards maintaining law and order as well? If yes, how?

Answer- Yes, as citizens, we have a significant responsibility towards maintaining law and order. We can contribute by:

• Obeying Laws: Adhering to traffic rules, paying taxes, and respecting others' rights.
• Reporting Crimes: Promptly reporting any suspicious activity or crimes to the police.
• Cooperating with Authorities: Assisting law enforcement officials in investigations and providing information when needed.
• Promoting Peace and Harmony: Encouraging peaceful resolutions to conflicts and avoiding actions that could disrupt public order.
• Educating Others: Raising awareness about the importance of law and order and encouraging others to be responsible citizens.

By actively participating in maintaining law and order, we can create a safer and more harmonious society.

 

 

Analytical Skills

 

In your notebook, make a list of five words that come to your mind when you think of the word 'police'. Discuss your answers.

Answer- These are five words that come to mind when I think of the word "police":

1.    Protection: Police officers are often seen as protectors of society, safeguarding citizens from harm and danger.  

2.    Law: Police are responsible for enforcing laws and ensuring that they are upheld.  

3.    Authority: Police officers hold a position of authority and are expected to use their power responsibly.  

4.    Service: Police officers serve the community by responding to calls, investigating crimes, and providing assistance.  

5.    Uniform: The uniform is a symbol of the police force and their authority.