Tamil Nadu Police Commission Slams Abuse of Power, Calls for Strict Action and Reforms

The Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission has strongly criticized the misuse of authority by police personnel and has recommended immediate and strict disciplinary measures to curb custodial abuse, wrongful arrests, and biased investigations.

In a detailed report submitted to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Commission emphasized zero tolerance for custodial deaths and urged that any such case must be acted upon swiftly. If preliminary findings show custodial violence leading to death, the report recommends transferring the case to the Crime Branch-CID and beginning immediate criminal and departmental proceedings against the officers involved.

Supreme Court Guidelines Must Be Enforced

The Commission, chaired by Justice C.T. Selvam (Retd), along with senior serving and retired bureaucrats, emphasized adherence to the Supreme Court's Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar guidelines. These guidelines were introduced to prevent unnecessary arrests and custodial torture.

The Commission urged senior officers to conduct daily reviews of arrests made by field-level officers to ensure their legitimacy. It also called for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be issued to all police personnel from the rank of Sub-Inspector upwards to curb misuse of discretionary powers.

Furthermore, it proposed including a dedicated module on "Police Discretion and Accountability" in training programs at Police Training Schools and the Tamil Nadu Police Academy.

Independent Oversight & Swift Disciplinary Action

Victims’ complaints about biased or negligent investigations must be probed by Additional Superintendents of Police, the report said. Cases of false implication of innocent individuals should result in immediate action, and if higher authorities themselves are implicated, the CB-CID must investigate.

To strengthen oversight, the Commission has recommended forming a supervisory body that includes:

• A retired High Court Judge

• The Secretary of the Home Department

• The DGP/Head of Police Force

• Other necessary members

This body would oversee intra-departmental corruption cases and recommend corrective action.

The report also highlighted the importance of fast-tracked internal inquiries and immediate disciplinary action. However, it cautioned that complaints flagged by Special Branch CID should be reviewed by the Chief Office to prevent misuse due to interdepartmental rivalries.

Emphasis on Technology, Ethics, and Rewards

The Commission called for the mandatory use of body-worn and dashboard cameras by police personnel during public duties to enhance accountability and prevent confrontations.

“Institutionalizing ethical conduct and regular sensitization of the police force is essential,” the Commission noted. Officers who perform sincerely should be rewarded, while those falling short must be mentored and corrected.

Media Strategy and Public Engagement

To improve communication and transparency, the Commission proposed upgrading the current Public Relations Wing to a State Police Media Centre, headed by an Inspector-General of Police. It should collaborate with professionals from the Information & Public Relations Department to streamline media engagement.

The Commission also recommended drafting a comprehensive Media Policy with:

• Clear guidelines on media interactions

• Training for police spokespersons on crisis communication

• A proactive strategy to build public trust and a positive police image

Conclusion:

The Tamil Nadu Police Commission’s report lays out a comprehensive and much-needed roadmap to reform policing in the state. From enforcing Supreme Court guidelines and ensuring accountability to using modern technology and improving public communication, the Commission’s recommendations are a bold step towards restoring faith in law enforcement.