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55 :(d) to render such reasonable assistance taking into account the nature of each complaint.

(3) Complaints Authority may call for a report from the Police or Government in respect of important matters in a complaint which is under its consideration.

(4) In connection with the inquiry being conducted by the Complaints Authority, the police officer concerned may be permitted to produce evidence to depose directly and to cross examine witnesses on occasions suitable and practicable. VIII OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENTS 113 Protection of action taken in good faith—(1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government or any Police Officer or any public servant duly appointed or authorized under this Act for anything done or intended to be done in good faith in the due discharge of official duties under the provisions of this Act.

(2) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act and alleged against police officer except with the prior permission of the Government.

114 Dereliction of duty by a police officer—Whoever, being a police officer,—
 * (a) violates or neglects to obey any legal provision, procedure, rule or regulation applicable to members of the police force under this Act, or
 * (b) pretending to have illness or pretends to have illness or injury or voluntarily hurts himself with a view to evade from duty, or
 * (c) acts in any other manner unbecoming of a police officer, or
 * (d) is guilty of cowardice,

shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine or with both.

Provided that in respect of an act considered to be an offence under this section, the disciplinary authority concerned may decide that departmental disciplinary proceedings shall alone be taken without resorting to criminal proceedings.