Kerala High Court has observed that of late complaints from citizens against the police for verbally disrespecting them are being brought to the notice of the Court frequently. Hence it has issued general directions in its judgement. It has warned the police force that use of disrespectful words towards the citizens will not be tolerated or permitted. The High Court has directed the state police chief to submit a report with details of the actions taken to curb use of disrespectful language by the police force.
Single judge bench comprising of Justice Devan Ramachandran issued the order while disposing a petition filed by JS Anil alleging harassment by police mentioning that they went to the extent of verbally abusing his minor daughter.
Excerpts of the order are as below:
“It may not require this Court to speak with great elaboration or expatriation when I say that the afore words if used to address citizens by Police Officers, is anathema to a civilised and cultured force and are the relic of the colonial subjugatory tactics. Certainly, they have no place in a free country marching in pace with the needs and requirements of the 21st century. Use of these and such other words to address citizens by any Police Officer is wholly impermissible and therefore, it is now imperative for this Court to declare that such use by any member of the Force is contrary to the constitutional morality and conscience of our country and is antipodean to the ethos of a democratic system. It is so declared.”
