Lawyer Moves Delhi HC Seeking Disciplinary Action Against Cops Who Staged Protests [Read Petition]

Seeking to direct the Central Government to initiate disciplinary action against the officials of Delhi police who staged protests and dharna in the national capital early this week, a PIL petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court.

The petition filed by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Lakra states that the protesting cops violated Rule 7 of the Central Civil Service Conduct Rules 1964, which bars a government servant from engaging in any demonstration against the interests of sovereignty, integrity and security of the state.

Also, by staging protests at public places while being on duty, those officials violated the provisions of Delhi Police Act, which require a police officer to be always on duty, unless on leave.

By omitting to discharge their duties, the protesting police officials put the security and law and order of Delhi and its people at grave risk. 

"It is to be noted that a duty is cast upon every police officer to discharge their official duties with utmost sincerity and preserve the law and order situation within the NCT of Delhi. Section 24 of the Delhi Police Act mandates that every police officer, who is not on leave or suspension, shall always be deemed to be on duty. Therefore, it is pertinent to point out that the statement of the police personnel that their duties would not be hampered while they are sitting on dharna is completely misconceived and in contravention of Section 24 of the Delhi Police Act",stated the petition.

The petitioner states that strike with provocative slogans and placards was carried out when the issue was sub-judice in the Delhi High Court, after it took suo moto cognizance of the Tis Hazari clash and ordered judicial probe in a special sitting held on Sunday.

The petition also seeks action against Madhur Verma, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Arunachal Pradesh, Aslam Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delhi North West, Meghna Yadav IPS, Faculty Member, National Police Academy and Sanjuktha Prashar IPS, Superintendent of Police, National Investigation Agency for circulating inciteful and provocative messages to subordinates through electronic media. It is alleged in the petition that through their statements online, these officers joined the ranks of protesting cops and aggravated the issue.

The issue has its genesis in the fight which erupted between lawyers and policemen in Tis Hazari court premises on Saturday afternoon over a parking dispute. The fight escalated after the police fired gunshots at lawyers. In the ensuing conflict, several persons on both sides sustained injuries, and many vehicles were torched. 

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