The Court conveyed dismay at the repetitive necessity of reminding police officers to behave respectfully toward citizens in a civilized manner.
On Monday, the Kerala High Court instructed the State Police Chief to address allegations of verbal abuse by a police officer against an advocate and highlighted the importance of upholding civility in policing activities.
The incident occurred in Palakkad district, where a police officer directed abusive language at an individual, identified as an advocate, as presented to the Court.
Expressing worry over the officer’s behavior, Justice Devan Ramachandran remarked that it contradicts previous Court directives and a circular issued by the State Police Chief, emphasizing the imperative for officers to treat citizens respectfully and with dignity.
Justice Ramachandran highlighted that despite the Court’s directives, instances of police misconduct persist.
“The Court isn’t concerned about the specific conflicts between the police officer and the Advocate – it applies universally… Earlier, this Court directed the State Police Chief to ensure measures for upholding the integrity of the policing system, emphasizing that officers have an inherent duty to treat all citizens, regardless of their status, with dignity and respect. Despite claims of complete compliance with this Court’s ruling, incidents as mentioned earlier persist,” stated the Court in its January 8 order.
The Court labeled this situation as unacceptable and expressed distress over the continued recurrence of such incidents.
“The recurring need to remind police officers about the fundamental requirement to treat citizens in a civilized manner is rather concerning. The State Police Chief should understand that it’s not just about issuing circulars; their thorough implementation is crucial in both word and deed,” stated the Court.
Government pleader Sunil Kumar Kuriakose assured the Court on Monday that the State Police Chief is diligently investigating the matter.
The Court then decided to adjourn the case for ten days and requested a comprehensive response from the State Police Chief.
Considering the public concerns at stake, the Court also scheduled an online interaction on January 18, 2024, urging the State Police Chief’s presence to discuss the forthcoming actions.
