Hindu Editorial Analysis : 2-August-2023

Incidents like communal violence in Delhi and violence in Manipur’s Imphal Valley have raised concerns about the role of law enforcement in India. The proper maintenance of law and order and efficient policing are crucial for a peaceful and secure society. This essay explores the current state of law enforcement in India, the initiatives taken by the government to improve policing, the challenges faced, and potential solutions to enhance law enforcement in the country.

Role of Law and Order & Policing in India

In India, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. It is the primary responsibility of State Governments to prevent, detect, register, investigate crime, and prosecute criminals. The Central Government supports these efforts by providing financial assistance for modernizing State Police Forces, including weaponry, communication, equipment, training, and infrastructure. Intelligence inputs are regularly shared with State Law Enforcement Agencies to prevent crime and maintain law and order.

Government Initiatives towards Better Policing

The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to improve policing:

  1. Decriminalization: A project to decriminalize minor offences and violations is underway to reduce the burden on the police and judicial system.
  2. Amending Legislation: The move to amend the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, demonstrates a commitment to update outdated laws and procedures.
  3. SMART Force: The Prime Minister’s vision for a SMART force emphasizes making the police Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, and Tech-savvy and Trained.
  4. Emphasis on Technology: The government is prioritizing the integration of technology into the daily operations of the police force.
  5. Indian Police Foundation: This organization is driving internal reforms, technology adaptation, digital transformation, and training to raise professional and ethical standards in the police.
Issues & Challenges

Despite government efforts, law enforcement in India faces significant challenges:

  1. Doubt of Neutrality: Recent incidents have questioned the neutrality of law enforcers, indicating the need to reinforce their commitment to upholding the law without bias.
  2. Political Interference: The interference of political leaders hampers police officers’ ability to perform their duties effectively.
  3. Colonial Law: The current police system in India is based on colonial-era laws, which may not align with contemporary societal needs.
  4. Vacancies and Overburdened Personnel: A considerable gap between sanctioned and actual police strength leads to overburdened personnel, affecting their ability to maintain law and order efficiently.
Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance law enforcement in India, the following measures can be taken:

  1. Mob Management: Policemen need specialized training to handle agitating mobs effectively, including understanding the psychology behind their actions and employing non-violent strategies.
  2. Focus on Futuristic Themes: Policymakers must prioritize emerging challenges like cybercrime, dark web activities, maritime security, drone threats, and social media-related problems.
  3. Embrace Technological Advancements: Policing should adapt to swift technological changes and equip personnel with cognitive skills to combat data wars effectively.
  4. Rethink Personnel Selection: The selection process for security agencies, especially the police, should be updated to meet the demands of the 21st century.
  5. Reduce Arrests: Reducing unnecessary arrests can prevent instances of custodial violence, promoting a fairer and more just criminal justice system.
Why In News

Incidents like the outbreak of communal violence in Delhi region and the violence in Manipur’s Imphal Valley not only raise serious concerns over the role of law enforcement but also underscore the pressing need for comprehensive measures to promote social harmony and strengthen community-police relations. Addressing the root causes of such conflicts and implementing proactive strategies can pave the way towards a more secure and harmonious society.

MCQs about Enhancing Law Enforcement in India

  1. Which of the following is NOT a part of the vision for making the police a SMART force?
    A. Strict and Sensitive
    B. Modern and Mobile
    C. Alert and Accountable
    D. Independent and Impartial
    Correct Answer: D. Independent and Impartial
    Explanation: The vision for a SMART force, includes being Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, and Tech-savvy and Trained. The term “Independent and Impartial” is not part of the mentioned vision.
  2. What is one of the major challenges faced by law enforcement in India, as highlighted in the essay?
    A. Lack of modern weaponry
    B. Political interference
    C. Excessive use of technology
    D. Inadequate infrastructure
    Correct Answer: B. Political interference
    Explanation: The one of the challenges faced by law enforcement in India is the interference of political leaders, which hampers police officers’ ability to perform their duties effectively.
  3. The primary responsibility for preventing, detecting, and investigating crime lies with which level of government in India?
    A. Local government
    B. Central government
    C. State government
    D. Federal government
    Correct Answer: C. State government
    Explanation: It is the primary duty of the State Governments to prevent, detect, register, investigate crime, and prosecute criminals.

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