Mokokchung, March 10 (DIPR): Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel in an order stated that searches made by any individual, Groups, NGOs etc. is not authorized as per law and such searches are “deemed illegal and ultra-vires”. The order which was issued on March 10, 2016 said as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973, only police can search a place (Private or government properties) with prior Search Warrant. Sushil Kumar Patel informed that the persons aggrieved (private or government officials) by such searches may seek legal remedy under Sec 441 of Indian Panel Code, 1896 (Criminal Trespass) against the perpetrators of such illegal action.
MTLT terms order as ‘veiled threat’
The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) meanwhile termed the DC’s order as a “veiled threat” stating that the order was “in apparent reference to the ‘visitation’ by the Mokokchung youths to different schools has been termed as ‘searches’.” The MTLT clarified that there was no “searches” as alleged by the DC.
It further questioned the “intention of the Mokokchung DC as to how he could threaten the bonafide youths with the CrPc 1973.” It asked whether the MLTL’s ‘visitation’ can be construed as ‘searches’ and whether the MTLT “cannot highlight such anomalies, especially the distribution of worm-infested rice to schools.” It also asked the DC if he was aware of the issue until the MTLT apprised him through their letter dated March 9. Meanwhile, it asserted that the MTLT would “continue to work for the welfare of Mokokchung society.”
