99. General principle to be observed. [§ 3, Act V, 1861].
(a)The Provincial Government recognises its obligation to protect police officers who in the course of the lawful discharge of duty have become involved in litigation, either civil or criminal, when it appears to the Provincial Government that they have acted in good faith but the Provincial Government does not bind itself to undertake their defence or afford assistance when this is not the case.(b)When the Provincial Government declines to defend, it rests with the officer concerned to take such measures as he considers necessary at his own expense, but the Provincial Government will defray his reasonable costs in the event of his being acquitted, and it being shown that his conduct throughout has been free from blame. If though acquitted of the offence charged, his conduct should appear to be blame-worthy, he shall receive only such portion, if any, of the expenses incurred by him as the Provincial Government may deem fit to pay.
