Roadmap for Answer Writing
- Introduction
- Briefly introduce the issue of police accountability in India.
- Mention the significant authority of the police and the criticisms they face for human rights violations.
- Challenges of Ensuring Police Accountability in India
- Discuss challenges such as political interference, corruption, inadequate oversight, training deficiencies, and legal complexities.
- Include facts like the 1681 recorded cases of custodial deaths by the NHRC in 2020 (source: National Campaign Against Torture report).
- Existing Mechanisms and Their Limitations
- Explain the role of legislation like The Police Act, 1861, and institutions like the judiciary and NHRC/SHRCs.
- Highlight limitations, such as the recommendatory nature of oversight bodies and non-implementation of judicial guidelines.
- Additional Steps to Strengthen Police Accountability
- Suggest measures like restructuring laws, technological integration, implementation of Prakash Singh Guidelines, reducing power concentration, and revamped police training.
- Include facts like the need for legal restructuring in a democratic India and the importance of CCTV surveillance in police stations (source: Supreme Court directives and Second Administrative Reforms Commission report).
- Conclusion
- Summarize key points and emphasize the importance of upholding human rights standards in police accountability efforts.
- Connect back to the initial issue of police accountability and the significance of addressing it in India.
Relevant Facts:
- The NHRC recorded 1681 cases of custodial deaths in India in 2020.
- The Prakash Singh judgment in 2006 provided directives for police reforms, some of which have not been fully implemented even after 17 years.
- The Police Act, 1861, grants senior officers the power to hold subordinates accountable, but hierarchical complexities often render these measures ineffective.
- Political interference erodes police leadership authority, leading to undisciplined behavior and weakened accountability mechanisms.
- Lack of citizen involvement and awareness hinders effective oversight of police actions through legal channels like writ petitions and public interest litigations.
Model Answer
Ensuring Police Accountability in India
In India, the police are frequently criticized for human rights violations, highlighting the challenges in ensuring their accountability. Despite existing mechanisms like The Police Act, 1861, and oversight bodies, issues persist, with rising cases of abuse of power and custodial deaths.
Challenges:
Measures to Strengthen Accountability:
By implementing these measures and upholding international human rights standards, India can work towards a more transparent and accountable police force that respects the rights of all citizens.