Model Police Act 2006
Topic: Civil Services: Role, Accountability and Reforms · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Model Police Act 2006 is a draft law prepared by the Soli Sorabjee committee. It was meant to replace the colonial Police Act 1861, which still shapes Indian policing. It is only a model, not a binding law. Police is a State subject (List II), so each state must pass its own Act.
Example
After Prakash Singh (2006), many states did not adopt the Model Act. Instead, they passed their own police Acts that weakened the Court's directives. The Justice K.T. Thomas committee (2008-10) later found widespread non-compliance.
Don't confuse with
- Police Act 1861: this is the colonial law still in force, which the Model Act was drafted to replace.
- Prakash Singh directives (2006): these are binding Supreme Court orders, such as the State Security Commission, Police Establishment Board and Police Complaints Authority. The Model Act is a draft law for states to adopt.