Topic– Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
3) Despite people’s faith in the police becoming precarious, the pace of police reforms is dismal. Critically comment.(250 words)
Why this question
This article discusses the need for police reforms in India which has been repeated ad infinitum by several committees in India. Police is still governed by archaic pre independence laws and practices. The need for police reforms is huge, and this question helps you in preparing for it.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the need for police reforms in the country, a peek into the recommendations of committees as well as court’s regarding police reforms, and finally the way forward, along with emphasis on the need for police reforms.
Directive word
Critically comment – When you are asked to comment, you have to pick main points and give your ‘opinion’ on them based on evidences or arguments stemming from your wide reading. Critically comment is also forming opinion on main points but in the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain that while governance reforms has taken place in several departments to keep them in sync with the needs of the time, police is bereft of such reforms which has led to the clamouring for such reforms.
Body –
- Explain the need for police reforms – role of police not in tune with the needs of the society, laws are from pre independence era which needs to be replaced, HR issues, administrative issues, lack of accountability, poor internal management systems etc . Discuss the need for police reforms as highlighted in the recent “Status of Policing Report” 2018
- Give a peek into the history of police reforms by talking about the suggestions made in the past – By Soli Sorabjee committee, Julio Ribero committee, SC in Prakash Singh vs UoI and Niti Ayog.
- Examine why such reforms have not been implemented so far and comment on the need for police reforms in the country
Conclusion – In the end, give way forward for implementation of police reforms.
