Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.
5. Trace the journey of police reforms in India since independence. Examine as to why despite many attempts at reforms, the police are top heavy, selectively efficient and unsympathetic. Suggest measures to have a more responsive and respected police force. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Several committees have made several recommendations on the issue of reforms for a healthy police system. But have yielded mixed results. This article suggests reforms that are needed.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about various attempts and reforming the police force in India, its impact and further measures need to augment it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning importance of police in maintaining law and order in the country.
Body:
In the first part of the body, mention the various attempts at reforming policing in India. National Police Commission (1978-82); Ribero committee (1998); the Padmanabhaiah Committee on restructuring of Police (2000); and the Malimath Committee on reforms in Criminal Justice System (2002-03). The recommendations of Supreme Court in Prakash Singh case and D.K Basu case. In brief mention key suggestions of each.
In the next part, mention reasons as why reforms have not yielded desired results and failed to bring about a change. Mention systemic factors, attitudinal factors, and political factors etc which are responsible for this. Use recent examples such as Jayaraj and Felix case from Tamil Nadu to substantiate your points.
Next, suggest measures to have an efficient, empathetic, sensitive, responsive and an accountable police force.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward
