Police Reforms in India: History, Recommendations & More

Police reforms in India have been a critical area of concern for decades. From the colonial era to the present, efforts to transform the police into a modern, efficient force have often faced challenges. Police reforms in India are essential for creating a responsive, accountable, and modern law enforcement agency.

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Indian Police Reforms

Background of Police Reforms in India

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Need for Police Reforms in India

1. Understaffed Police: India’s police-public ratio is 152.80 per lakh person (January 2022, well below the UN's recommended 222 per lakh) leading to overworked police officers, inefficient case handling, and delays in justice.
2. Gender Disparities : Women constitute just 11.7 percent of the police force, which affects the handling of cases related to gender-based violence.
3. Outdated Training and Equipment: Many police officers lack modern training and access to updated technology. According to the CAG audit report 2015-16, some states have a 75% shortage in weapons .
4. Political Interference: Political interference in police operations remains a serious issue (2nd ARC Report). Political pressure compromises investigations and leads to selective enforcement of laws.
5. Centre Vs State Issue: Frequent centre-state tussles create operational challenges. States often view the Indian Police Service (IPS) officers as external agents, leading to friction and affecting smooth law enforcement.
6. Lack of Transparency : The police force often operates with a significant lack of accountability and transparency. Incidents of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power go unaddressed, eroding public trust.
7. Issue At Ground Level : Constables represent more than 80% of the police force , yet they face difficult working conditions and scarce promotion opportunities causing low morale and poor performance.

Recommendations of Committees on Police Reforms in India

• National Police Commission (1977-81 ): This commission produced eight reports and suggested reforms like insulating the police from political interference, introducing a new Police Act, and improving service conditions.
• Ribeiro Committee (1998-99): It focused on restructuring the police force and proposed steps to enhance accountability within the force.
• Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000) : Recommend structural changes to modernize police practices and enhance recruitment and training. Promote community involvement in crime prevention and delegate powers to lower ranks.
• Malimath Committee on Criminal Justice Reform (2003) : Revamp the Criminal Justice System by establishing a new Police Act and creating a central law enforcement agency. Improve investigation processes and separate investigative functions from law enforcement duties.
• S. Sorabjee Committee (2005): Tasked with drafting a new Police Act, this committee recommended community policing and increased professionalism in police work.

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Model Police Act, 2006

Supreme Court Directives on Police Reforms

1. State Security Commission: Establishing an independent body to monitor police functions.
2. Tenure Security : Providing a minimum tenure of two years to top police officers, including the SHO, DGP, and SP to reduce political pressure.
3. Separation of Investigation and Law & Order: Dividing the two functions within the police for better specialization and efficiency.
4. Police Complaints Authority: Forming an independent body to address complaints against police personnel.
5. Merit Based Appointed of DGP: One of the critical directives from the SC is to ensure that the appointment of the Director General of Police (DGP) is based on merit.
6. National Security Commission: Setting up a body to deal with the recruitment and appointment of top police officers in central forces
7. Police Establishment Board (PEB): Set up PEB to ensure a merit-based approach in the transfer, posting, and promotion of police officers.

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Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)

Way Forward

• Political Independence : Police should operate without political pressure, allowing officers to work fairly and impartially.
• Capacity Building: Modern training and infrastructure are crucial. Officers need to be equipped with the latest tools to fight cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing independent oversight bodies, such as the Police Reforms Commission or Police Complaints Authorities to ensure transparency and build public trust.