Representational.
Kochi: Regardless of any provocation they face, police officers must behave in a civilized manner, Kerala High Court said. The court added that any abhorrent behaviour by police officers against citizens is forbidden, and such conduct would invite deterrent measures against them, Live Law reported.
The court of Justice Devan Ramachandran ordered the state police chief to appear before it online on June 26, 2024, for an interaction with it. The meeting, scheduled for 1:45 pm on the day, is regarding the steps taken to ensure that the police behave civilly to all citizens.
“The police are expected to protect and to preserve, but they cannot torment whatever be the provocation. I see a pattern in many of these cases where the defence taken is a provocation, and hence there was a retort in equal proportion or worse…whatever the provocation that a police officer may face, he is expected to behave in a civilized manner in conformity with the constitutional ethos. One cannot find any justification if a contrary conduct is exhibited,” Live Law quoted the court.
The high court said that police should be under watch and it should be ensured with no secrecy that officers are behaving at all times.
“Police should be firm but polite and strong but civil,” the court noted.
It ordered the state police chief to look into the matter and decide on the action to ensure that officers behave.
It, however, said that it is proud of the state police force and deems it as one of the best. It added that misbehaviour from a single officer cannot be permitted since it would tarnish the reputation of the entire force.