Police Reforms

What is the issue?

How did these proposals come up?

A writ seeking police reforms was filed in the SC in 1996.
In that regard, the court issued several directives in 2006.
The Indian Police Foundation was inaugurated in 2015 to mount pressure on state governments to implement these changes.
Despite all this, States thus far have taken only few grudging steps.

Why reform is needed?

Politicising - Political authorities have a stronghold over police.
So, the trustability of the force among the public has reduced.
This has led to frequent demand for CBI probe into crimes which can be handled by the state police.

CBI – Even the CBI is not free off political control.
A few years back, the Supreme Court had called CBI a “caged parrot” with little autonomy.
Hence, in recent times, the demand for a CBI probe is usually accompanied by a request for Supreme Court monitoring the same.
Lokpal - The problem would have considerably subsided if the ‘Lokpal law’ had been implemented.

The Lokpal would have had the powers to oversee the CBI’s work and ensure its independence.
Presently, vested interests across the political spectrum have succeeded in keep the institution of Lokpal in dormancy.

How does the future look?

Criminal justice system cannot function without a healthy police force and investigative agency.
Hence, responsible police officers from within the force, should in their capacity - embrace reformist ideals to win public trust.
We might also have to fall back on the judiciary to ensure a strong, impartial and professional police force.
Importantly, we need to build a strong public opinion – as it has the potential to force the political class take up reforms seriously.

Source: The Hindu