Police and Politics: Autonomy and Accountability

Safe, secure and peaceful environment is prerequisite for growth and survival of democracy. Rule of law is cardinal principle of democracy. Efficient, effective and accountable police is essential for ensuring peace and harmony and to uphold the rule of law. The expectations of people have grown in the post independence period. People wanted the police as people-friendly and service oriented institution, but the structure and functions of Indian police is still governed by the Indian Police Act 1861 enacted by Colonial rulers to perpetuate their unjust and oppressive rule in India. Consequently, structure and functioning of existing police system need to be changed for making it a people's police but the politicians, top police leadership and bureaucracy have vested interest to maintain the status quo. Instead of brining reform in police, the politicians have misused it for promoting their partisan interest. Thus, there is urgent need for police reforms to make the police autonomous but accountable. Insulating the police from political interference, providing infrastructural facilities, sufficient provision of training and adequate manpower are vital for autonomous and professional police forces. Democracy cannot survive in an environment of anarchy and chaos. Therefore, efficient and accountable police forces are as much essential for functional democracy of India as for safety and security of citizens.