What is the issue?
- The Supreme Court issued directives for police reforms in 2006
- Strong public opinion is needed to push for its implementation.
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
