April 2, 2014
The political class cutting across party lines has been opposed to the Reforms advocated by the National Police Commission of 1979 and endorsed by the Supreme Court in its judgment in the Prakash Singh case. The reason for this is not difficult to decipher. The Reforms would mean the de-politicization of the police thus enabling it to become a professional body. No political party wants this to happen though the people would be benefited.
Every time the Supreme Court demands action and threatens the State governments with contempt proceedings these governments bring in some very tepid legislation which pays lip service to the Courts orders but in practice makes it worse then before. The Maharashtra government for instance issued an Ordinance which concentrates more power in the hands of the Home Minister to transfer and post which are the main instruments for politicization, corruption and injustice.
I have written to the Chief Minister protesting against the Ordinance. There was no need for the government to issue the Ordinance when a Bill could have presented in the House and debated. It is important now for all respectable and thinking citizens to oppose this Ordinance and force the government to desist from interfering in the operational functioning of the police Chiefs. Those Police Chiefs who misuse their powers should be removed summarily after recording reasons. In fact, they should not have been appointed in the first place!
Police Reforms should be rechristened as "Peoples Police" so that the public is not misled to believe that the Reforms mean more powers to a police force which they do not trust. In fact, the police force has become anti-people, unjust and corrupt only because of political interference in its internal working. If the police is to reform and become pro-people the Reforms as advocated by the National Police Commission chaired by a much respected Civilian, Mr. Dharam Vira, ICS, and endorsed by the Supreme Court should be implemented in letter and spirit. By law the Home department should have no part to play in the internal administration of the police force ad in the investigation of crime. Its role should be to monitor the conduct and performance of senior officers.
This is an appeal to you personally to add your name to the protest letter which I have sent to the Chief Minister. If you agree to do so, I will send another letter to the Chief Minister informing him of your support and the support of other prominent citizens to this cause.
With regards,
JULIO RIBEIRO
Chairman,
Public Concern For Governance Trust
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