Police officers must not let base instincts dictate their behavior: Kerala High Court

Police officers must not let their baser instincts dictate their behavior, regardless of the pressure they face in the line of duty, observed the Kerala High Court on Thursday..Justice Devan Ramachandran made the observation while dealing with a number of petitions concerning police conduct, including one filed by the Kerala High Court Advocate Association (KHCAA) which has called for a mechanism for the fast-track adjudication of complaints against police misconduct.The KHCAA's petition was filed in light of a recent incident in Palakkad, where a police officer is alleged to have used abusive vocatives against an advocate..On Thursday, the police officer accused of verbally abusing the lawyer at Palakkad tendered an unconditional apology before the Court, through the counsel representing him.However, Justice Ramachandran expressed skepticism about the apology and questioned the police officer's lawyer on whether the officer was aware about earlier court orders and directives to curb such misconduct by the police. The judge added that ignorance of these directives is unacceptable for a police officer.Addressing the State Police Chief, the judge also raised queries over the effectiveness of the circulars issued on this issue. .The State Police Chief, response, highlighted that there were training programs being conducted, apart from the issue of circulars, to address behavioral issues by police officers.He added that the errant police officer from Palakkad (Alathur Police Station) has been warned for his conduct.However, Justice Ramachandran pressed for specific details on the action taken against the officer in question, pointing out that a mere warning may not be sufficient.Justice Ramachandran further expressed concern about the reasons which lead to such behavior among police officers. He mused that the officers seem to choose when to exhibit deviant behavior based on the power dynamics involved. He also commented that police officers should not let their baser instincts dictate their behaviour, even if they are facing pressure. The State Police Chief assured the Court that preventive measures would be taken to tackle police misbehaviour in the future. In turn, Justice Ramachandran directed the State Police Chief to submit a report on a measures that would be taken in this regard, to implement circulars against police misconduct and curb future instances of such behaviour. The judge has emphasized the need for a comprehensive action plan on the issue. .The matter will be heard again next month.