(1) Special Police Officer may be appointed in the following circumstances, namely:
(a) When it appears that any unlawful assembly, or riot or disturbance of the peace has taken place, or may be reasonably apprehended, and that the police-force ordinarily employed for preserving the peace is not sufficient for its preservation and for the protection of the inhabitants and the security of property in the place where such unlawful assembly or riot or disturbance of the peace has occurred, or is apprehended.
(b) When it appears that the police force ordinarily employed for duties in connection with election of the Lok-Sabha or the State Legislative Assembly or any local authority or for traffic management is not sufficient.
(2) Only able bodied person may be appointed as special police officer provided that no person be appointed as special police officer if,-
(a) he has been convicted by any court;
(b) a criminal case has been registered and is pending against him;
(c) he is member of political party or its affiliate; and
(d) he is of unsound mind.
(3) The period of such appointment shall not exceed 30 days at a time.
(4) Special police officer shall perform his duties in an honorary capacity.