Corrective action

The Supreme Court has given a fresh impetus to police reforms with its judgment that has asked states to not appoint any acting Director-General of Police, but to send a panel to the UPSC that would, in turn, select three candidates, out of which the state would pick one. The person selected is also required to have a reasonable tenure of service left. Since police is a state subject, there is always resistance from the state governments. However, the need for reforms in the force is unanimously felt, as it is the ongoing effort by the political class to subvert any attempt in this regard. What needs to be done has been made clear in the eight reports of the National Police Commission (1979-81) and its Model Police Bill, as also the apex court’s 2006 directives on police reforms. However, implementation is a far cry. Punjab will soon have to take the decision on who should replace the incumbent DGP. It should make its choice wisely, so that a force that is already divided by bitter rivalries does not sink further. A choice made on purely professional grounds is the surest way of generating confidence in the decision. The Punjab Police has faced a rough Press with senior officers being charged with drug offences, legislators asking for drug tests for police officers, and an increasing perception of collusion between elements within the force and the drug gangs. Indeed, it is time for the police force to look within, to weed out the rotten eggs and restore its credibility. The government has taken some corrective steps, including that of replacing tainted officers, but more needs to be done. When the DGP is selected out of a professionally whetted short-list, there is an opportunity to start afresh, without the baggage of patronisation. A change at the top can work wonders in changing the ethos of a force that has earned more brickbats than bouquets. The Chief Minister should seize the moment and effect the much-needed reforms by following the Supreme Court’s directives in letter and spirit.