Policing of Public Order in India

• NCJ Number: 189273
• Journal: International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2001 Pages: 213-225
• Author(s): Arvind Verma
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Sixth IPES Conference at Hydrabad, July 1999.

Annotation

This article examines the nature of order maintenance problems in India and innovative measures to deal with them.

Abstract

In India, group violence and organized challenge to the established order are common phenomena and major areas of responsibility for the Indian police. Communal, economic, linguistic, caste, class, and ethnic conflicts are a part of its social and political milieu. Reasons for order maintenance problems include: the inability of the government to meet the expectations of the people; the inefficient, corrupt administrative structure of the government; the lack of genuine democracy; and the total lack of accountability of the ruling class. The police suffer from resource and personnel shortages, are beset with managerial problems and a lack of proper administrative mechanism, and have not attempted to induct modern technology and information systems into their operations. India also has a large and growing population with poor economic conditions. The Indian police have traditionally adopted the armed model to deal with public disorder problems. However, order maintenance is a challenging task even with the support of armed units. Indian police have developed several tactics and make skillful use of situational factors in handling crowds during public protests. The physical situation is controlled by an innovative use of s. 24 of the Police Act 1861, which provides power to manage traffic on public roads. During elections, police determine the “sensitivity” of the booths according to the likelihood of violence, then make large-scale preventive arrests before the election to control unruly elements. In combating terrorism, police resort to “extra-constitutional” means that implies the use of illegal tactics, torture, or even killing of suspects. Because of the rapid transformation of Indian society, police organizations must meet the challenge to enhance their professionalism. 58 references.