Police should break their nexus with politicians: CJI Ramana
People hesitate to approach Police in times of despair. Its image is tarnished due to corruption, Police excesses, lack of impartiality and close nexus with the political class, CJI said.
New Delhi: CJI justice N.V.Ramana advised police should reclaim social legitimacy and public trust by breaking nexus with the political executive and should stand by ethics and integrity.
Delivered the 19th D. P. Kohli Memorial Lecture of CBI on "Democracy: Role and Responsibilities of Investigative Agencies here on Friday, CJI advised police that they should at the service of the people and it should stands true for all institutions
“People hesitate to approach Police in times of despair. Its image is tarnished due to corruption, Police excesses, lack of impartiality and close nexus with the political class. Often police officers complained of being harassed after regime change”, CJI remarked.
Lack of infrastructures and manpower, inhuman conditions at the lowest levels, lack of modern equipment, questionable methods of procuring evidence, officers failing to abide by the rulebook, CJI said and added that the lack of accountability of officers are issues that are affecting the policing system
It is not the first time Chief Justice N.V. Ramana expressed his anguish over corruption in the police system and its direct impact on society.
While dealing with a petition of suspended senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Gurjinder Pal Singh in September 28, 2021, the CJI observed that “Police officers who do the bidding of a government have to “pay back with interest” when the political regime changes, cautioned the Supreme Court on Monday as it took a grim view of the “growing trend”.
Such police officers should not expect mercy from a court of law if they choose to align themselves with a particular party in power, CJI bench observed while hearing the matter, Hindustan Times reported.
“When you (police officer) are too close to the government, a day will come when you will be on the other side and will have to pay for your actions. When you are good with a government, you may extract money, benefits and all...then you have to pay back with interest when the government changes,” remarked the bench, remarked.
