Expressing concern that no guidelines are in place in encounter killings in the country, the apex court said certain procedure needs to be followed in such cases to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crime who take law in their own hands.

The court said, this is essential to restore faith of the people in police force. A bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha said cases of death in police encounters continue to occur in spite of Constitutional provisions for safeguarding the personal liberty and life of a citizen.

It has directed that a Magisterial inquiry must invariably be held in all cases of death in police encounter and a report thereof must be sent to Judicial Magistrate.

The bench said No out-of-turn promotion or instant gallantry rewards shall be bestowed on the concerned officers soon after the occurrence.

It must be ensured at all costs that such rewards are given or recommended only when the gallantry of the concerned officers is established beyond doubt.