Section 18 of the Delhi Police Act, 1978 - Additional Police Officers
Section 18 authorises the Commissioner of Police to appoint additional police officers when deployment is required under Sections 38, 39 or 40. It also regulates their appointment certificates, specified powers and supervisory control.
Text of Section 18 - Additional police officers
Where additional police officers are required to be deputed under section 38, section 39 or section 40 the Commissioner of Police may appoint such number of additional police officers as he considers necessary and every such additional police officer shall, on appointment,-
(a) receive a certificate of appointment in such form as may be specified by the Administrator in this behalf;
(b) have such of the powers, privileges and immunities and perform such of the duties of a police officer as are specifically mentioned in the certificate; and
(c) be subject to the same authorities as an ordinary police officer of the same or similar rank or grade.
Meaning and scope of Section 18
The provision enables the Commissioner of Police to appoint the number of additional police officers considered necessary for deployments authorised by the specified provisions. The power to appoint is linked to the circumstances described in Sections 38, 39 and 40; it is not an unrestricted general recruitment provision.
1. Certificate of appointment - clause (a)
Each additional police officer must receive a certificate in the form specified by the Administrator. The certificate provides the statutory basis for identifying the appointment and its authorised scope.
2. Powers and duties - clause (b)
Unlike an automatic grant of every police power, Section 18 confines an additional officer's powers, privileges, immunities and duties to those specifically mentioned in the appointment certificate. The certificate should therefore be consulted when assessing an officer's authority.
3. Supervision and control - clause (c)
Additional police officers remain subject to the same authorities as ordinary police officers of the same or a similar rank or grade. Their appointment does not place them outside the normal police chain of command.
When can additional police officers be deployed?
- Section 38 - Employment of additional police to keep peace: allows deployment on an application to maintain peace, preserve order or perform specified policing duties. It also contains provisions relating to costs, withdrawal and disputes.
- Section 39 - Special danger to public peace: concerns temporary additional police deployment in an area notified by the Administrator because of disturbed or dangerous conditions or relevant conduct of inhabitants.
- Section 40 - Large works and other specified situations: deals with additional police where large works, public amusement or apprehended conduct of employees create the statutory conditions for deployment.
These provisions determine the grounds and arrangements for deputation, while Section 18 addresses appointment and the legal status of the officers concerned.
Difference between Sections 17 and 18
Section 17 deals with special police officers appointed in anticipation of riots or grave disturbances of peace and gives them the same powers and duties as ordinary police officers. Section 18 concerns additional officers deputed under Sections 38 to 40, whose powers and duties are specifically set out in their certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Who can appoint additional police officers under Section 18?
The Commissioner of Police may appoint the number considered necessary where deputation is required under Sections 38, 39 or 40.
Do additional police officers have all the powers of ordinary police officers?
Not automatically. Under clause (b), their powers and duties are those specifically stated in their appointment certificates.
Who supervises additional police officers?
They are subject to the same authorities as ordinary police officers of the same or similar rank or grade.
Official legal source
Read the Delhi Police Act, 1978 - India Code official PDF for the full Act, including Sections 18, 38, 39 and 40. Check the official text and any subsequent amendments or notifications for the requirements applicable to a particular case.