Report No. 249

52. Bengal Military Police Act, Act 5 of 1892

Category: Defence of India and Armed Forces

Recommendation: Repeal, in consultation with relevant State(s)

This Act was enacted for the better regulation of the Bengal Military Police. It prescribed punishments for offences committed by members of the Police. The Bengal Military Police was renamed Eastern Frontier Rifles in 1920. In 1947, this Police force was divided between India and Pakistan. The Military Police now exists as the Eastern Frontier Rifles and is part of the Police force of the State of West Bengal.

The West Bengal Police Act, 1952 deals with employment to the police force in the State. Therefore, the Act is no longer applicable and must be repealed. The Central Government should write to the relevant State Government recommending the review of this law by the State, with a view to repeal. The Central Government should also remove this law from its lists of central Acts in force.