'Abusive Vocatives' Against Advocate By Police: High Court Directs Appearance Of Kerala Police Chief To Ensure 'Civilized Police Behaviour'

The order has been passed in connection with a recent incident in Alathur Police Station in Palakkad district where a police officer used abusive vocatives against an advocate.

Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that it is distressing to be reminded time and again that police officers have to behave in a civilized manner to the citizens.

“Since this matter involves public concern, I request the State Police Chief to appear before this Court online at 1.45 A.M. on 18.01.2024, for an interaction to take stock of the future cause of action, for which, his inputs will certainly be valuable.”, the Court stated.

Further, the Court stressed the importance of adopting appropriate measures by the State Police Chief to ensure civilized police behaviour towards the citizens. It added that the issuance of circulars alone was insufficient for guaranteeing civilized police behaviour. The Court added thus:

“…but it is rather distressing that the imperative requirement of the police officers to act in a civilised manner to the citizen, requires to be stated and restated every now and then. The State Police Chief must keep in mind that it is not sufficient that circulars are issued, but that they are implemented in its letter and spirit, through appropriate measures.

The Court passed the above order in a contempt petition filed alleging a violation of the directions issued by the Court in an earlier judgment. While disposing of that case, the Court had ordered the police officers to refrain from using disrespectful words to the citizens.

Later, the Court was informed that the directions of the Court had been complied with by issuance of a circular. Responding to the compliance report, the Court issued an order stating that the issuance of mere circulars was insufficient and that the State Police Chief has to ensure that every police officer adheres to good behaviour and civilized conduct.

Taking note of the present incident in Alathur where a police officer used abusive vocatives, the Court held that thus:

“This Court had earlier directed the State Police Chief to ensure necessary steps to maintain integrity of the policing system, including by reminding the officers that they have an unexpendable obligation to treat citizens – whatever be their status – with dignity and civility.”

The Government Pleader submitted before the Court that the State Police Chief had taken the issue seriously and was looking into it.

Thus, the matter has been posted for the appearance of the State Police Chief before the Court in online mode on January 18, 2024.

Counsel for the petitioner: Advocate Dhanuja M S

Counsel for the respondent: Government Pleader Sunil Kumar Kuriakose

Case title: Mahesh v Anilkant

Case number: Contempt Case(C) No. 869 OF 2023(S) In WP(C) 11880/2021