Section 12 of Delhi Police Act, 1978 - Appointment of Subordinate Ranks
Section 12 identifies the police authorities empowered to appoint Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors and other officers of subordinate rank in Delhi. These appointment powers are subject to general or special written orders of the Administrator.
Text of Section 12 - Appointment of subordinate ranks
Subject to such general or special orders in writing as the Administrator may make in this behalf,-
(a) Inspectors of Police may be appointed by the Additional Commissioner of Police; and
(b) Sub-Inspectors of Police and other officers of subordinate rank may be appointed by the Deputy Commissioners of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police, Principal of the Police Training College or of the Police Training School, or any other police officer of equivalent rank.
Meaning and scope of Section 12
The provision concerns appointment to subordinate police ranks within the Delhi Police establishment. It specifies who may exercise the appointment power; it does not itself prescribe recruitment examinations, educational qualifications, age limits, reservation requirements or selection procedures. Those matters must be checked against the applicable recruitment rules, service regulations and valid government orders.
Clause (a): Appointment of Inspectors of Police
Under clause (a), an Additional Commissioner of Police may appoint Inspectors of Police, subject to the Administrator's general or special orders in writing. The wording confers an appointment power, not an unconditional entitlement to make appointments outside the applicable legal framework.
Clause (b): Appointment of Sub-Inspectors and other subordinate ranks
Clause (b) permits appointments of Sub-Inspectors and other officers of subordinate rank by specified senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioners of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police and the Principals of the Police Training College or Police Training School. It also refers to another police officer of equivalent rank. The actual exercise of this power remains subject to the Administrator's written orders and other applicable rules.
Appointing authorities under Section 12
| Police rank being appointed | Authority identified in Section 12 |
|---|---|
| Inspector of Police | Additional Commissioner of Police, subject to written orders of the Administrator |
| Sub-Inspector of Police and other subordinate ranks | Deputy Commissioner of Police; Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police; Principal of the Police Training College or Police Training School; or another police officer of equivalent rank, subject to written orders of the Administrator |
Role of the Administrator's written orders
The opening words of Section 12 are an important legal qualification. The Administrator may issue general or special orders in writing affecting the exercise of the appointment powers. Accordingly, identifying the officer named in Section 12 alone may not establish that a particular appointment was properly authorised. The applicable written orders and recruitment or service rules must also be considered.
Related provisions of the Delhi Police Act
- Section 11 - Officers in charge of police districts, sub-divisions and police stations describes the officers responsible for territorial police units.
- Section 13 - Certificate of appointment addresses certificates of appointment.
- Section 14 - Effect of suspension of police officer concerns the effect of suspension.
- Section 19 - Framing of regulations for administration of the police concerns police administration regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Who may appoint an Inspector of Police under Section 12?
Clause (a) names the Additional Commissioner of Police, subject to the Administrator's written general or special orders.
Who may appoint a Sub-Inspector of Police?
Clause (b) names Deputy Commissioners of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police, Principals of the specified police training institutions and other police officers of equivalent rank, subject to the Administrator's written orders.
Does Section 12 set recruitment eligibility criteria?
No. Section 12 identifies appointing authorities. Eligibility, selection and other service conditions must be examined under the applicable recruitment rules and orders.
Official legal sources
For the current legislative text, amendments and subordinate legislation, consult India Code (Government of India). For Delhi Police administrative information and published notices, consult the official Delhi Police website. These are reference links within the article, not navigation menu items.
Editorial note: The statutory extract above is retained from the supplied page. Appointment authority in an individual case may also depend on subsequent amendments, applicable rules and written administrative orders.