The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has launched a comprehensive industry-wide initiative to safeguard jewellery traders across Maharashtra by rolling out structured guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring fair, transparent, and accountable policing practices during theft investigations.

This initiative follows the Government of Maharashtra’s circular dated March 14, 2024, and reflects GJC’s proactive role in translating regulatory directives into practical, implementable frameworks for the trade.

GJC’s Industry-Led Initiative

As part of this rollout, GJC has taken the lead in interpreting, structuring, and disseminating the guidelines across the jewellery ecosystem. To ensure wider accessibility and effective adoption, GJC has also issued detailed Instructions and SOPs in multiple languages, including Marathi, English, and Hindi, enabling jewellers across regions to clearly understand their rights and responsibilities.

GJC is actively engaging with trade bodies and stakeholders to facilitate smooth implementation at the ground level, thereby strengthening trust between law enforcement agencies and the trading community.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines

The framework introduces several important safeguards and procedural requirements:
1. Mandatory Record of Police Visits
Police officers visiting jewellers’ premises must record the purpose of their visit in the merchant’s register and provide their signature.
2. Jurisdictional Protocols
Investigations extending beyond jurisdiction must be routed through the appropriate vigilance mechanisms before approaching traders.
3. Transparency in Investigation
Relevant case details or FIR copies must be shared with the concerned trader.
4. Evidence-Based Enforcement
Arrests should be strictly based on credible evidence, ensuring that genuine traders are not subjected to undue harassment.
5. Minimizing Business Disruption
Wherever feasible, statements should be recorded at the trader’s premises to avoid interruption of business operations.
6. No Unwarranted Detention
Traders should not be compelled to accompany police officers unless absolutely necessary.

Establishment of Vigilance Committees
The initiative also emphasizes the formation of Vigilance Committees at State, Commissionerate, and District levels to monitor implementation and address concerns of traders.
• State-Level Committee: To function under the supervision of the Director General of Police and meet annually
• District & Commissionerate Committees: To meet once every three months for regular review and oversight
These committees will serve as a structured grievance redressal and monitoring mechanism, ensuring accountability and consistency in enforcement.

Leadership Perspective

Rajesh Rokde, Chairman – GJC, said:
"This initiative marks a significant step towards safeguarding the interests of genuine jewellery traders. By ensuring structured procedures, documentation, and oversight mechanisms, the framework promotes transparency and accountability while protecting traders from unnecessary harassment. GJC’s role has been to ensure that these guidelines are effectively understood and implemented across the industry."

Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman – GJC, added:
"The introduction of multilingual SOPs and practical guidelines reflects a progressive and inclusive approach. It empowers jewellers with clarity and confidence while enabling constructive cooperation with law enforcement agencies. This will go a long way in strengthening the overall ecosystem."

Strengthening Industry Confidence
Through this initiative, GJC reinforces its role as a bridge between the Government and the trade, ensuring that policy directives are effectively translated into actionable processes.

The rollout is expected to significantly enhance confidence among jewellery traders, while promoting a more transparent, accountable, and business-friendly regulatory environment across Maharashtra.

Courtesy : AOJ Desk News