While elucidating the Seven Directives by Supreme Court (2006), critically examine why these directives have not been complied with in letter and spirit by any state in the country?
Supreme court in 2006 laid down seven directives to reform the police orgainsation across States and Union territories.
The directives were as follows
a)Constitute a State Security Commission (SSC) to ensure that the state government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the police and lay down broad policy guideline.
b)Appointment of DGP through the merit-based transparent process and secure a minimum tenure of two years.
c)Police officers on operational duties (including Superintendents of Police in-charge of a district and Station House Officers in-charge of a police station) should be provided a minimum tenure of two years.
d) The investigation and law and order functions of the police should be separated.
e)Set up a Police Establishment Board (PEB) to decide transfers, postings, promotions and other service related matters of police officers of and below the rank of Deputy
f)Set up a Police Complaints Authority (PCA) at state level to inquire into public complaints against police officers of and above the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police in cases of serious misconduct, including custodial death, grievous hurt etc
g)Set up a National Security Commission (NSC) at the union level to prepare a panel for selection and placement of Chiefs of the Central Police Organizations (CPO) with a minimum tenure of two years.
States have established institution PEB but have not given them enough powers and work under pressure of governments.State security commission which were envisaged as neutral bodies have government representative.The police complaints authority was turned down by most of the states with the excuse that it would lead to a multiplicity of authorities. State governments are reluctant to give up their control over police.
An efficient and honest police is needed for maintaining law and order and restoring public faith in them
Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution