PIB Summary- 18th January, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Prime Minister Attends 58th All India Police Conference:

Context
The Prime Minister recently participated in the 58th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Key Highlights of PM’s Address at Police Conference:

• Transformation in Legal Framework:
  PM highlighted the transformative impact of new criminal laws, emphasizing a justice system prioritizing citizen dignity, rights, and justice.
• Women’s Safety and Rights:
  Emphasis on educating women about their rights under new laws, urging police to ensure their safety, enabling them to work fearlessly.
• Positive Public Perception:
  Stress on improving the image of the police among citizens, suggesting the use of grassroots-level social media for positive communication.
• Social Media for Disaster Management:
  Proposal to utilize social media for disseminating disaster alerts and coordinating relief efforts efficiently.
• Sports Events for Community Bonding:
  Advocacy for organizing sports events to strengthen the bond between citizens and the police force.
• Government Officials in Border Villages:
  Encouragement for government officials to reside in border villages, fostering stronger connections with the local community.
• Modernization and Global Contribution:
  Call for the Indian police to evolve into a modern, world-class force, aligning with India’s global stature and contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Issues Associated with Police Forces:

• Custodial Deaths:
  • Refers to fatalities occurring while a person is in police custody.
  • Despite a decline in previous years, a sharp rise to 175 custodial deaths was reported in 2021-22.
• Excessive Use of Force:
  • Instances of police using excessive force leading to injuries and fatalities.
  • Lack of proper training and oversight contributes to misuse of force.
• Corruption and Misconduct:
  • Corruption within the police force, including bribery and misconduct, erodes public trust.
  • High-ranking officials and lower-ranking officers implicated in corrupt practices.
• Legal Framework and Corruption:
  • Laws creating conditions for police corruption, particularly in relation to banned substances like alcohol.
  • Increased profitability and law enforcement discretion contribute to corrupt practices.
• Trust Deficit:
  • Significant trust deficit between police and the community affecting cooperation and information sharing.
  • High-profile cases of police misconduct contribute to public skepticism and mistrust.
• Extrajudicial Killings (‘Encounter’):
  • Instances of extrajudicial killings by the police, commonly known as ‘encounter.’
  • No legal provisions in Indian law legalize encounter killings.
  • Increased cases, with 151 reported in 2021-2022 compared to 82 in 2020-2021.

Recommendations for Police Reforms:

• Police Complaint Authority:
  • Establishment directed by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh v/s Union of India case (2006).
  • Authorized to investigate misconduct by police officials of various ranks.
• Separation of Functions:
  • Supreme Court directive for the separation of investigation and law and order functions in police.
  • Creation of State Security Commissions (SSC) with civil society members for improved policing.
• National Security Commission:
  • Recommendation by the Supreme Court for the formation of a National Security Commission.
• National Police Commission (1977-1981):
  • Made recommendations for police reforms, emphasizing functional autonomy and accountability.
• Ribero Committee (1998):
  • Constituted on Supreme Court’s directions to review police reform actions.
  • Endorsed major recommendations of the National Police Commission with modifications.
• Malimath Committee (2000):
  • Made 158 recommendations for criminal justice system reforms.
  • Suggested the establishment of a central law enforcement agency.
• Model Police Act (2006):
  • Mandates the establishment of an authority in each state.
  • Comprising retired High Court judges, civil society members, retired police officers, and public administrators from another state.
  • Focuses on functional autonomy, professionalism, and accountability in police agencies.