Shimla, Aprl 24(UNI) Strongly criticizing the declining standards of policing in Himachal Pradesh, the High Court has flagged widespread complacency among police personnel and called for immediate reforms, particularly in recruitment, training, and administrative accountability.
The division bench comprising justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja made these observations while hearing a criminal writ petition (Ravina vs. State of HP) on April 21. The copy of the order was supplied to media on Thursday.
The court expressed grave concern over the failure of police officers to bring accused individuals to justice. An internal probe conducted by the Intelligence wing led to the issuance of show-cause notices to several officers, including former deputy superintendent of police Firoj Khan.
The court stated that the deterioration in discipline and performance within the police force was not an isolated issue but systemic. It attributed the failure in policing partly to unchecked political interference and outdated administrative procedures, particularly concerning appointments, postings, and cadre management.
A major emphasis was placed on the urgent need to reform the recruitment process of the police force. The court suggested the creation of a special police recruitment board that operates independently of political influence. It stressed the importance of merit-based selection, involving written examinations, physical efficiency tests, and psychological evaluations.
The court proposed that external experts and retired judicial officers be part of the recruitment panels to ensure neutrality and transparency. It also condemned the practice of ad hoc appointments and backdoor entries, which it said compromises the professional integrity and public trust in the police force.
Aligning with key Supreme Court directives, including those from the Prakash Singh case, the Court underlined the necessity of independent and transparent recruitment as a foundational step toward police reform. It stated that a police force selected through non-partisan and professional procedures would be better equipped to uphold the law without fear or favour.
The court also highlighted the urgent need to convert district cadre posts into state cadre ones to prevent long-term postings in specific regions that may encourage political patronage. It noted that investigations and law-and-order responsibilities should be separated, and sanctioned strength should be revised to match the increasing complexity and volume of crime.
The High Court recommended improved working conditions, training reforms with greater emphasis on human rights, and fixed tenures for postings. The Court criticized the influence of local politicians in transfer matters and reiterated that effective policing cannot be achieved unless insulated from such interference.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 3. The Director General of Police has been directed to submit a detailed affidavit on the implementation of the Court’s orders.
The judgment is widely seen as a significant step towards restoring professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the police system of Himachal Pradesh.
UNI ML PRS