Rogue Police Harms Economy as Well

Context: The custodial deaths of a father and son in Tamil Nadu serve as a cruel reminder of the urgent need for police reforms. 

Rogue Police Poses Threats to

• Life and security of citizens.
• Democracy and the rule of law.
• Ease of doing business environment.

Issues in Police System 

• Unimplemented recommendations: of several multiple commissions since 1971 and 2006 Supreme Court judgment on certain aspects of police reforms.
• No safeguards against the dehumanisation: of either civilians or the police.
• Political interference: 

• Police being a state subject, is marred with undue interference over transfers and postings.
• It creates an incentive system which rewards a policeman who fall in line with political masters.

• Shortage of manpower: particularly at the level of constable and sub inspector. 

• India has about half the UN-recommended police-to-population ratio of 222 per lakh.

• Long working hours and less time off: due to shortages and deployment in policing assignments coupled with low salaries and poor living conditions.
• Command system: encourages corruption result in dehumanising of the police force itself. 

Conclusion: Instead of switching to the punitive measures that involve death penalties, Indian policing system is in the dire need of systemic overhaul.