Shimla, Apr 24,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed a series of sweeping reforms within the state’s police force, in a judgment that addresses serious concerns about accountability, misconduct, and systemic deficiencies. The court, in its order dated April 21, 2025, detailed numerous directives aimed at overhauling police operations and culture.
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The division bench of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja, while hearing a case that “raised certain serious questions relating to administration of criminal justice system in the State with reference to criminals and the role and efficiency of police force in combating this problem,” highlighted a prior order from October 23, 2024, which pointed to a pattern of “complacent or wanton” behavior among police officials.
In a strong stance against police misconduct, the court outlined several key reform measures. These include:
- Revision of sanctioned police strength to address current demands.
- Posting of more Gazetted Officers in SP offices for better supervision.
- Clear guidelines for inter-district postings.
- Posting of cadre officers in cadre posts, adhering to IPS rules.
- Creation of Highway Patrols.
- Strengthening the ERSS mechanism.
- Notification under Section 15 BNSS.
- Revision of Police Rules.
- Establishment of special courts for special crimes.
- Improvement of FSL labs.
- Requirement of Pilots in Each District and improvement of the fleet.
- Police Housing and Infrastructure Maintenance.
- Strengthening Intelligence Gathering.
- Ensuring police officials are not posted in their home subdivisions.
- Fixing maximum tenures of posting.
The court’s judgment also drew upon the observations of legal experts. It quoted the late Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, who warned that the failure of police integrity and accountability leads to the “collapse” of the justice system. The court also cited N.R. Madhava Menon, former Vice Chancellor of the National University of Judicial Sciences, who outlined key reasons for public dissatisfaction with the police, including allegations of lawlessness, corruption, abuse of power, and insensitivity towards victims.
Acknowledging these deep-seated issues, the court emphasized the urgent need for reform, stressing that police lawlessness jeopardizes the very foundation of democracy.
Furthermore, the court directed attention to the Code of Conduct for the Police in India, highlighting principles such as upholding the Constitution, respecting citizens’ rights, enforcing the law impartially, and using force only when necessary. It also referenced the Law Commission of India’s report, which detailed causes for delays in the justice system, including police apathy, political interference, and corruption.
The court also urged the state to consider implementing directives passed by the Uttarakhand High Court, addressing issues such as working hours, compensation, housing, promotions, leave, medical facilities, and psychological support for police personnel.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has scheduled the case for further compliance hearings on June 3, 2025.
