Re-Imagining Policing In A Constitutional Democracy: An Evaluation Of Judiciary As A Catalyst For Police Reform In India

Abstract

The Police system in India continues to be the by-product of the Colonial Rule to perform the twin task of maintenance of law and order and protection of life and liberty of the individual. India consists of 28 separate states and 8 Union territory. The Indian Constitution classifies "Police" as a State topic. This implies that they are governed by the laws and ordinances of the state in which they are situated. State-level rules and regulations provide the parameters for how the police are organized and function. Each state and federally recognized area has a unique police force. The paper's abstract gives an overview of the principles that the British used to build the police force they established in this nation and demonstrates how the colonial model of policing that was implemented did not include the concept of holding the police accountable to people outside the system. Police in modern days not only does the task of prevention of crimes and detection of criminals but also other welfare works like helping in the observance of traffic rules, control of crowds in public meetings and fairs, help the fire brigade and flood rescue parties, and help public in settling the minor disputes. The scope of this paper, is, however, not confined to only the definitional aspect of police. As the title indicates, this paper is going to present an overview regarding police reforms in India. Which challenges the Indian police system is facing? What ways are supposed to be followed to deal with these challenges? What is the stand of law in this regard—these are going to be the focal point in this paper in its succeeding parts.