Police Department

The people in disciplined uniform force, serve even to the extent of risking their life, for safety and protection of people. Like the members of armed force, who risk their life while protecting boundary of the country, and its people, from foreign enemies, the members of police force discharge same duty by protecting the society from criminals, terrorists and other anti-social elements inside the boundary of the nation. Unless they have confidence that in case a situation of laying their life comes, the society in general, and, State in particular, is there to take care of their family,
they may not have the required degree of dedication, devotion and commitment in discharge their duties. They may lack their best. It is the responsibility of State in particular, to see, that the heirs of such police officials do not suffer in penury or otherwise and their lawful dues/entitlements are made available to them without any demand from them or harassment but suo motu, since it is the obligation of State to do so. It is really painful and harsh to make them to run from pillar to post, for receiving lawful benefits, entitlement etc. particularly when they are already bereaved, having lost the earning member, who was their bread earner and caretaker of the family.
The society cannot expect a dedicated police force unless their requirement, entitlement and due delivery thereof is ensured. For every good or bad, happening at any place, police force and its officers generally become the prime object of condemnation and criticism, but when question of considering their lawful dues, entitlements, perks and benefits etc. comes, everybody backtracks and finds it more convenient not to even discuss or take up the issue. This is very unfair and unjust. Very rarely we find that any hue and cry is raised in the public or by so called public oriented bodies/NGOs etc., about the distress faced by such police officials and their family members. We have seen almost regularly a lot of agitation, discussion, procession and criticism of violation of various kinds of rights including human rights whenever any person from public or those indulged in/accused of serious crime, die, either in police custody or in police action, but seldom we find a similar reaction when a police officer sacrifice his life in the course of discharge of his duties, etc. This apathy is bound to affect the situation of law and order. One cannot expect an honest, dedicated police officer, always ready to discharge his duties in the most effective manner, without ensuring that whatever due to him, is made available, without any delay, harassment etc. and the same treatment would continue to his heirs, in case of his death, for any reason whatsoever. If for civilized, honest and innocent persons, we expect a public friendly police force, supposed to function with utmost humility but hard on criminals etc., we have to reciprocate them suitably with better treatment.
Hon. Sudir Agrawal J.
High Court Allahabad
(This is not an Essay but the order)