Policing by Platitudes: Uttar Pradesh Officers’ Independence Day Reflections

Two senior Uttar Pradesh officers used revolutionary ideals and ancient parables to justify their roles in maintaining public order on India’s Independence Day. This unusual display of philosophical introspection offers a glimpse into the complexities of authority and accountability.

Rinkoo Singh Rahee, sub-divisional magistrate (judicial), Orai, invoked Bhagat Singh by describing him as “the most foolish” and a “useless child.” However, this assessment was not merely a historical critique but also a commentary on the state of justice in contemporary India. Rahee compared Bhagat Singh’s willingness to rebel against convention with the delays in delivering justice today, highlighting the chasm between ideals and reality.

A 30-year-old case pending before Rahee’s court raises questions about whether the ideals for which freedom fighters sacrificed themselves are being upheld. This episode highlights bureaucratic inefficiency as a major obstacle to upholding the principles of revolution.

In Meerut, senior superintendent of police Avinash Pandey drew parallels with an ancient parable involving Gautama Buddha’s willingness to misdirect a hunter to save a swan. Pandey attempted to justify the use of force by the police, but this philosophical justification rings hollow when considered against real-world incidents of police brutality and misconduct.

Pandey’s warning against creating divisions based on caste, religion, and language is welcome, but it does not address deeper structural issues within the police force. By emphasizing duty and responsibility, Pandey glosses over complexities of power dynamics at play.

The fact that these officers felt compelled to invoke grand ideals to justify their actions highlights the need for more nuanced discussions about the role of the police in maintaining public order and accountability. As India grapples with corruption, police misconduct, and bureaucratic inefficiency, these reflections underscore the need for meaningful conversations about reform and radical change – rather than mere platitudes and philosophical justifications.

The real challenge lies in translating ideals into tangible action, not simply invoking them to justify the status quo. Until then, the police force will continue to be plagued by questions of accountability and legitimacy.