Section 4 of the Delhi Police Act, 1978 - Superintendence of Police Force to Vest in the Administrator
Section 4 identifies the authority responsible for overall superintendence of Delhi Police and makes the supervisory powers of police officers subject to that authority.
Text of Section 4 - Superintendence of police force to vest in the Administrator
The superintendence of the Delhi police throughout Delhi shall vest in, and be exercisable by the Administrator and any control, direction or supervision exercisable by any officer over any member of the police force shall be exercisable subject to such superintendence.
Source: The Delhi Police Act, 1978, Section 4. See the official Act text on India Code.
Meaning and legal effect of Section 4
What does superintendence mean?
In this provision, superintendence refers to overarching oversight and supervisory authority over the Delhi Police force. The section places that authority in the Administrator, rather than making it an independent power of individual police officers.
Who is the Administrator?
Section 2(a) defines the "Administrator" as the Administrator of Delhi appointed under Article 239 of the Constitution. In the constitutional administration of the National Capital Territory, this office is the Lieutenant Governor. The constitutional framework also includes Article 239AA, under which public order and police are excluded from the Delhi Legislative Assembly's legislative competence.
How does Section 4 affect police officers?
The second part of Section 4 makes the control, direction and supervision exercised by an officer over members of the force subject to the Administrator's superintendence. It does not mean that every operational decision must be personally made by the Administrator; police officers continue to exercise powers given to them under applicable law, rules and lawful orders.
Does Section 4 create a criminal offence?
No. Section 4 is an organisational and supervisory provision. It does not, by itself, define an offence or prescribe a punishment.
Related provisions of the Delhi Police Act
Section 3 establishes one police force for the whole of Delhi. Section 5 deals with the constitution, organisation and service conditions of the force. Section 6 concerns the Commissioner of Police. These provisions should be read together when examining the chain of authority and administration of Delhi Police.
Official legal references
The primary statutory reference is the Delhi Police Act, 1978 (India Code PDF). The Delhi Police Acts and Rules portal provides access to legislation relevant to policing. For constitutional context, consult the Constitution of India.
Legal information only. For a dispute involving service powers, discipline, investigation or administrative control, examine the applicable rules, notifications and binding judicial decisions alongside the Act.