Section 12 of The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- (1)An officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police shall investigate any offence under this Act.
- (2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Central Government shall have the powers to refer the investigation to any Central Investigating Agency.
Summary
- An officer must be at least the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to investigate these crimes.
- The Central Government has the power to take a case away from local police and give it to a Central Investigating Agency.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can a regular police constable or inspector investigate an exam crime?
No, the law requires a higher-ranking officer, at least a DSP or ACP, to lead the investigation.
2. Why does the law require a high-ranking officer?
This ensures that the investigation is handled with a high level of authority and experience due to the serious nature of exam fraud.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 12(1) of The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, who is the lowest-ranking officer allowed to investigate an offence?
Q2.Under Section 12(2) of The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, who has the power to refer an investigation to a Central Investigating Agency?
Q3.In a city where the police use the title "Assistant Commissioner of Police", can such an officer investigate under Section 12 of The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024?
Q4.Does Section 12(2) of The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, limit the Central Government to referring only "organised" crimes to Central Agencies?