SC: Ban on SPOs applies only to Chhattisgarh

The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that the central government could release funds for using the services of special police officers (SPOs) in fighting insurgent groups, except in Chhattisgarh. HT reports.

The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that the central government could release funds for using the services of special police officers (SPOs) in fighting insurgent groups, except in Chhattisgarh.

A bench of Justices Altamas Kabir and SS Nijjar modified the SC’s July 5 directive that restrained the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre in using SPOs to combat Maoists.

Appearing for the union government, Solicitor general Rohinton Nariman and counsel Siddharth Dave told the bench that modification was necessary.

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“It would cause serious trouble in undertaking anti-insurgency operations in other parts of the country, particularly in the North-East,” Nariman told the court.